Govt Issues Nationwide Alert on Online Booking Scams Targeting Pilgrims

NEW DELHI (India CSR): The pilgrimage season in India brings millions of devotees and tourists to sacred destinations like Kedarnath and Somnath. But as people plan their spiritual journeys, cybercriminals are also on the move—creating fake websites and social media profiles to trick unsuspecting travelers. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a stern public alert about a surge in online frauds targeting pilgrims and tourists, especially those booking Char Dham yatra services.

New Wave of Cyber Fraud: Faith as a Target

According to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, cybercriminals are exploiting the spiritual fervor of the Char Dham season through fake websites, social media posts, WhatsApp groups, and even paid Google ads. These online traps offer services such as helicopter bookings for Kedarnath, hotel reservations, and religious tour packages—none of which actually exist.

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which functions under the ministry, has flagged these scams as a growing national threat.

How the Fraud Works

The modus operandi is sophisticated yet deceptive. Fraudsters create convincing online portals that mimic real government or trust-run booking platforms. These platforms appear professional, complete with chatbots, contact numbers, and booking options.

ADVERTISEMENT

Victims usually make advance payments believing they have secured genuine services. Only later do they realize they’ve been cheated—no confirmations are sent, contact numbers go unanswered, and websites vanish.

High-Risk Areas and Hotspots

The I4C has identified certain cybercrime hotspots—regions and urban centers from where such scams are frequently launched. These include areas with a high number of digital fraud complaints, particularly during peak pilgrimage seasons. States and Union Territories have been alerted and sensitised to take preventive action at the local level.

Official Portals: Where You Should Book

To help the public avoid being duped, the ministry has released a list of official booking platforms:

• Helicopter bookings for Kedarnath: heliyatra.irctc.co.in
• Guest house bookings for Somnath Temple: somnath.org

Travelers are strongly advised to use only these verified sources or go through trusted travel agencies.

What the Government is Doing

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre is taking a multi-pronged approach to curb these crimes:

1. Scam Signal Exchange

Signals of scam websites and impersonators are being regularly shared with digital intermediaries like Google, Meta (Facebook, Instagram), and WhatsApp to block such content in advance.

2. Reporting and Monitoring

A streamlined reporting system is being developed on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal. Victims can also call the cyber helpline number 1930 to report frauds immediately.

3. Takedown Operations

Authorities are working actively to disable fake websites, paid ads, and social media accounts that impersonate legitimate travel services.

Ministry’s Advisory: What You Must Do

The Home Ministry has issued these crucial safety tips:

• Verify every website before booking—avoid clicking on sponsored links blindly.
• Cross-check information through official portals.
• Do not share personal or banking details on unverified sites.
• Report suspicious sites instantly via cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930.

“People should not fall for attractive offers or discounts online,” the ministry warned. “Always verify authenticity and use only government-authorised channels for travel bookings.”

A National Wake-Up Call

This alert is a wake-up call for both travelers and law enforcement agencies. With cybercriminals becoming more strategic and targeting emotionally-driven journeys like pilgrimages, digital vigilance is more important than ever. The government’s message is clear: Faith should not become a fraudster’s opportunity.

(India CSR)