Voters Warned Against OTP Fraud Linked to SIR Form Calls

Authorities have issued an urgent advisory after multiple voters reported receiving suspicious phone calls asking for OTPs generated during the SIR (Special Identification Request) form process. Officials clarified that no agency or authorised personnel is permitted to request an OTP from voters and warned that sharing such codes could enable fraudulent voting activity.

According to the notice, several individuals who recently submitted their SIR forms received calls from unknown numbers claiming: “An OTP has been sent to verify your SIR form — please share it.” Authorities stressed that this is a fraudulent attempt to misuse a voter’s identity and possibly cast a vote illegally.

Officials reminded citizens that the OTP sent to a voter’s mobile number is strictly confidential and is not required for any manual or telephonic verification of the SIR form. Any attempt to extract the OTP is considered a serious violation and must be reported immediately.

Voters have been advised to remain cautious, avoid responding to such calls, and notify the nearest police station or designated election officer about the incident. Reporting helps initiate prompt investigation and prevents similar fraud attempts affecting other voters.

Authorities emphasised that safeguarding OTPs is essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral system. A single compromised OTP can enable unauthorised access, identity misuse, or fraudulent vote casting. Citizens are therefore encouraged to stay vigilant and avoid sharing sensitive information under any circumstances.

As election-related activities increase, officials reiterated the importance of digital awareness and the dangers of impersonation scams. Voters are urged to rely only on official communication channels and avoid sharing personal details over unsolicited calls.