Voters Urged to Stay Alert Against OTP Fraud While Filling SIR Forms

Raipur, 20 November

The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Chhattisgarh, has issued an important public advisory for citizens and voters filling the SIR (Special Intensive Revision) forms under the ongoing electoral roll revision. The advisory warns citizens to remain alert against potential misuse of mobile numbers and attempts at OTP-based cyber fraud.

Authorities have clarified that providing a mobile number while filling the SIR form is entirely safe. However, cybercriminals may attempt to exploit the process under the pretext of verification.

*No OTP Required Through BLOs*

The Chief Electoral Officer has stressed that no OTP is required at any stage when the SIR form is being filled through a Booth Level Officer (BLO). No officer, staff member, or BLO will ask for an OTP under any circumstance.

*Public Safety Instructions*

Authorities have advised voters to firmly decline any call where an individual asks for an OTP supposedly linked to an SIR form. Citizens have been encouraged to state clearly that they will contact the election office or speak directly to their BLO rather than sharing any information over the phone. The advisory further notes that if a caller attempts to create pressure, uses threats or insists on sharing an OTP, the matter should be reported immediately to the nearest police station. Several state police departments have echoed these concerns, warning of new scams emerging around the SIR process and urging citizens never to share OTPs with unknown callers.

*Helpline and Support*

Chief Electoral Officer stated that public awareness is the strongesth shield against cyber fraud. Voters who require clarification or wish to report suspicious activity may contact the dedicated helpline at 1950. Updates and further guidance are also available on the official social media handles @CEOChhattisgarh on Facebook, X and Instagram.