The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has issued an urgent alert to the public concerning the alarming rise in online booking scams that prey on unsuspecting tourists and pilgrims across the country. This advisory highlights the fraudulent schemes being carried out through professionally created fake websites, deceptive social media pages, WhatsApp accounts, and even paid advertisements on search engines like Google. These scams are meticulously designed to impersonate legitimate services, offering bookings for religious pilgrimages, accommodations, cab rentals, and holiday packages, only to defraud individuals once payments are made.
The modus operandi of these cybercriminals involves creating false websites and social media profiles that appear highly credible, convincing individuals to pay for services such as helicopter bookings for Kedarnath and Chaar Dhaam pilgrimages, hotel and guest house reservations for pilgrims, and even taxi services or holiday packages for religious tours. Victims often realize they have fallen prey to these schemes when their payments yield no confirmation or the promised services, and all contact points provided by the scammers become unreachable.
To combat these fraudulent practices, the I4C has advised citizens to exercise extreme caution before making any payments online. It has underscored the importance of verifying the authenticity of websites, being vigilant about sponsored and unknown links on Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp, and relying exclusively on official government portals or trusted travel agencies for bookings. Specifically, helicopter bookings for Kedarnath can be safely conducted through the official IRCTC portal at , and guest house bookings for Somnath Trust can be made via its official website at . Any suspected fraudulent websites or activities can be promptly reported at the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal at or via the emergency hotline number 1930.
The I4C has implemented a multifaceted strategy to contain these scams and safeguard citizens. Measures include scam signal exchanges with major IT intermediaries like Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp for proactive detection and takedown of fraudulent activities. Cybercrime hotspots are being systematically identified, and corresponding state and Union Territory authorities are being sensitized to prevent the proliferation of such crimes. Regular cyber patrolling efforts are underway to disable access to fake websites and impersonating social media accounts. To simplify the process for citizens, the I4C has also developed a suspect-checking and reporting feature on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, ensuring hassle-free reporting of fraudulent activities.
This alert from the I4C reflects the rising sophistication of cybercriminals and their ability to exploit the trust and urgency of individuals seeking religious and tourism-related services. By adopting proactive measures and intensifying public awareness, the I4C aims to counter these criminal operations effectively. Citizens are urged to stay vigilant, report suspicious activities, and spread awareness within their communities to prevent further victimization.
As online transactions increasingly become the norm, this advisory serves as a critical reminder of the importance of cybersecurity and vigilance in safeguarding personal and financial information. Through collaboration with IT intermediaries, state authorities, and citizens, the I4C continues to play a vital role in fortifying India’s defenses against cyber fraud and ensuring a safer digital environment for all.
