BHOPAL: A new form of cyber fraud emerging in Bhopal, has put law enforcement on heightened alert. Posing as government officials conducting a “Special Intensive Review (SIR),” scammers are persuading residents to hand over sensitive information such as OTPs, identity numbers and banking details.
The Emergence of a New Cyber Trap
In recent weeks, the city’s Crime Branch and Cyber Cell have been tracking an unusual pattern: calls and messages from individuals claiming to be verification officers of a government agency. They tell recipients that their documents are under “Special Intensive Review (SIR)” and that completing the process requires sharing an OTP or other personal information.
According to police officials, the model is highly structured — callers use formal bureaucratic language and employ terms like “BLO verification,” “KYC update,” and “official notice.” In many cases, people genuinely believe the communication is coming from an actual government department.
A Strategy Built on App Installation and Remote Control
Police investigations also revealed that in several cases, scammers send a fake app or link, urging victims to install it. Once installed, the app hands complete control of the phone to the fraudsters. It can record screens, capture keystrokes, and even access banking apps.
Officials note that these apps often carry trustworthy-looking icons, color schemes, and government-themed designs.
“Most people don’t realize how much of their activity can be monitored once such an app is on their device,” a senior officer said.
Misuse of Government Symbols
Investigators have found that scammers are increasingly capable of mimicking government branding. Fake logos, digital seals, and official-sounding names make it difficult for citizens to differentiate between genuine and fraudulent communication.
According to the Cyber Cell, this shift reflects a broader national trend — criminals are leveraging the perceived legitimacy of government institutions to deepen their psychological influence.
“People naturally trust anything that looks government-issued,” an officer said. “That trust has become the scammers’ most powerful weapon.”
Rising Cases and Urgent Warnings
Police estimate that the number of such calls and messages is rising rapidly. Several victims reported that the caller spoke in an authoritative tone and pressured them to act immediately. Some, out of confusion or fear, ended up sharing their banking information.
Authorities have urged citizens not to trust any unknown call, link, app, or verification request. They added that government agencies never ask for OTPs or banking details over the phone — and advised residents to report such incidents immediately to the police or the national cyber helpline.
