New Delhi, April 25, 2025: Cybercriminals are now targeting religious travelers and tourists by luring them through fake booking portals, warns the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs. With a rise in online frauds in the name of pilgrimage tours and travel services, the agency has issued a public advisory urging citizens to stay vigilant and use only official platforms for any travel-related bookings.

Scammers Exploit Faith and Trust Online

Fraudsters are setting up professionally designed fake websites and running sponsored ads on Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp to attract pilgrims. These ads claim to offer services like helicopter bookings for Kedarnath and Chardham, hotel and guesthouse reservations near temples, cab rentals, and discounted spiritual tour packages.

Many victims fall into the trap and make online payments, only to realize later that the bookings were fake and their money is gone.

How the Scam Works

The method used is deceptively simple:

• Cybercriminals create fake websites that resemble legitimate travel portals.
• They promote these through paid advertisements and social media posts.
• Once a user clicks on these links, they are asked to make payments to secure their bookings.
• Victims are promised services like helicopter rides, temple accommodations, and holiday packages—but receive nothing in return.

I4C’s Advisory for Safe Travel Booking

To protect citizens, I4C has shared important safety tips:

• Always verify the authenticity of the website before making payments.
• Avoid clicking on 'Sponsored' ads on Google or social media platforms without double-checking.
• Book only through official portals or verified travel agents.

Important Official Booking Sites:

• Kedarnath Helicopter Booking: https://www.heliyatra.irctc.co.in
• Somnath Trust Guest House: https://www.somnath.org

If you suspect fraud, report immediately:

• Visit: www.cybercrime.gov.in
• Call the cyber helpline: 1930

I4C’s Ongoing Action Plan

To combat these rising frauds, I4C has ramped up cyber patrolling and coordination:

• Scam Signal Exchange: Sharing details of fake websites and ads with platforms like Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
• Cyber Monitoring: Regular takedown of fake social media profiles and websites.
• Suspect Reporting System: Easy reporting mechanism for citizens via the national cybercrime portal.
• Targeted Enforcement: Identifying and acting against states/UTs where scams are being initiated.

Final Word

Religious travel should be a spiritual and peaceful experience, not one marred by fraud. As the pilgrimage season picks up, travelers are advised to double-check sources and remain alert while making any online booking.