EC Won’t Ask Money, Beware of Fraudsters, CEO Tells Voters
The CEO said fraudsters were targeting voters apprehensive about losing their votes and attempting to obtain their banking credentials
Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) C. Sudarshan Reddy on Thursday warned voters against fraudulent messages circulating in the name of the Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking bank account details and other personal information.
The CEO said fraudsters were targeting voters apprehensive about losing their votes and attempting to obtain their banking credentials.
He said messages circulating on social media were creating panic among voters by claiming that Election Cards and Enumeration Forms had been rejected due to a mismatch. The messages then sought personal and banking details from voters.
“They are asking voters to call a number and are sending messages with a link on WhatsApp, to fill up the form and pay `5 either by net banking or credit or debit card and seeking bank details viz., login password, CVV number, ATM PIN etc,” the CEO stated in a press note.
The official clarified that neither the ECI nor the Telangana CEO sends messages asking voters to pay `5 online. “The electors are advised to be wary of such fraudulent messages and calls received in the name of ECI or CEO and not to respond to such fraudulent messages and calls. If such messages or calls are received, they can also report to the nearest police station,” the CEO added.
