Alert: Voter ID card download scam on rise ahead of Lok Sabha polls 2024; What you need to know

As the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 draw near, fraudulent activities related to voter ID cards are on the rise. Recently, a 30-year-old man named Mohsin Mohammad Rafi Shaikh was apprehended for producing fake Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and voter IDs in Malwani, Rajasthan. Shaikh confessed to the crime during the investigation, revealing that he charged Rs 2000 for each fake document and utilised an online portal for the forgery process. Police confiscated his computer, printer, and papers, and Shaikh was arrested on charges of cheating and forgery.

This incident is just one example of the growing trend of voter ID card scams ahead of elections. To safeguard yourself from falling victim to such scams, it is crucial to stay informed and exercise caution. Here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of a voter ID scam:

• Only use legitimate and authorised online services or consultants for any voter ID-related tasks.
• Beware of suspiciously low-priced offers for voter ID-related services, as they may be attempts to deceive you.
• Prefer official government websites or offices for any voter ID-related transactions or updates.
• Exercise caution when sharing personal information online, particularly sensitive details like Aadhaar or PAN card numbers.
• Stay informed about the latest scams and fraud tactics related to voter IDs to remain vigilant.
• Report any suspicious activity or offers related to voter IDs to the authorities promptly.
• Always verify the authenticity of any voter ID cards or documents you receive to ensure they are genuine.

Additionally, if you need to apply for a Voter ID Card online, follow these steps on the National Voters' Services Portal (NVSP):

• Visit the NVSP website.
• Click on ‘Sign-Up’ at the top right corner and enter your mobile number, email, and captcha.
• Fill in your personal information and create a password, then verify with the OTP received on your mobile and email.
• Log in with your mobile number, password, and captcha, then request OTP to verify and log in.
• Click ‘Fill Form 6’ under ‘New registration for general electors’ and complete all details, including personal, contact, and Aadhaar information.
• Upload the necessary documents, review the information, and submit the form if everything is correct.