I4C Warns Public About Online Booking Scams Impersonating Religious Organizations

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has issued a warning regarding a surge in online booking frauds targeting religious pilgrims and tourists throughout India. These scams are executed through counterfeit websites, misleading social media pages, and deceptive advertisements on platforms like Google. Victims often find themselves defrauded after making payments for services that are never delivered, leading to significant financial losses.

Types of Scams Targeting Tourists

Fraudsters are employing sophisticated tactics to lure unsuspecting individuals into their traps. They create professional-looking websites and social media profiles that appear legitimate. These platforms offer a variety of services, including helicopter bookings for Kedarnath and Chaar Dhaam, guest house and hotel reservations for pilgrims, online cab and taxi service bookings, as well as holiday packages and religious tours. Unfortunately, many victims only realize they have been scammed when they fail to receive any confirmation or service, and the contact numbers provided become unreachable. This alarming trend highlights the need for vigilance among travelers, especially those planning religious pilgrimages.

Precautionary Measures for Travelers

In light of these fraudulent activities, the I4C has advised the public to exercise extreme caution when making online bookings. Travelers should always verify the authenticity of websites before proceeding with any payments. It is crucial to be wary of clicking on “sponsored” or unfamiliar links on platforms like Google, Facebook, or WhatsApp. The I4C recommends that individuals cross-check their bookings exclusively through official government portals or trusted travel agencies. In case of any suspected fraud, individuals are encouraged to report such websites immediately through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in or by calling 1930. For specific services like Kedarnath helicopter bookings, travelers can use the official site at https://www.heliyatra.irctc.co.in, while guest house bookings can be made through the Somnath Trust’s official website at https://somnath.org.

Government’s Response to Combat Online Fraud

To combat the rising tide of online scams, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre is implementing a multi-faceted strategy. One of the key components is the Scam Signal Exchange, which involves regular communication with IT intermediaries such as Google, WhatsApp, and Facebook to facilitate proactive detection of fraudulent activities. Additionally, the I4C is identifying cybercrime hotspots and sensitizing state and union territories to enhance enforcement efforts. Cyber patrolling is also being conducted to disable access to fake websites and impersonating social media accounts, thereby protecting citizens from potential scams. Furthermore, a suspect checking and reporting feature has been developed on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal to streamline the reporting process for victims.

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