The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, issued a nationwide alert on Saturday, cautioning citizens about a spike in online booking scams aimed at religious pilgrims and tourists.
The alert highlights how cyber fraudsters are deceiving people through fake websites, misleading social media pages, WhatsApp messages, and sponsored ads on platforms like Google and Facebook. These fraudulent platforms often mimic legitimate services, offering enticing deals for helicopter bookings to Kedarnath, Char Dham yatra packages, guest house accommodations, and cab services.
Victims typically realize they’ve been duped after making payments—receiving no confirmation or service, and being unable to contact the so-called service providers.
In its statement, the Ministry emphasized that these scams are designed to exploit the surge in religious tourism, urging the public to remain cautious. The I4C advises:
- Avoid clicking on unfamiliar or sponsored links
- Use only official government websites or reputable travel agencies
- Verify authenticity before making any online payments
- Report fraud immediately via www.cybercrime.gov.in or by calling 1930
For example, Kedarnath helicopter bookings should only be made through the official IRCTC portal: https://www.heliyatra.irctc.co.in, while Somnath Temple guest house bookings can be done at https://somnath.org.
To combat this growing threat, I4C is using a three-pronged approach:
- Scam Signal Exchange: Working with platforms like Google, WhatsApp, and Facebook to flag and remove fraudulent content
- Cyber Enforcement: Collaborating with state and UT police to tackle cybercrime hotspots
- Cyber Patrolling: Proactively identifying and taking down fake websites and impersonator accounts
I4C is also introducing faster reporting options via the cybercrime portal, allowing quick flagging of suspicious websites.
The initiative serves as a timely warning to exercise caution when planning religious or tourist travel, as cybercriminals continue to exploit digital platforms with increasing sophistication.
