Rajasthan Police Issue Warning Against Char Dham Yatra Cyber Scams
Amidst the spiritual fervor that the Char Dham Yatra inspires, the Rajasthan Police Cyber Branch has sounded alarms on an alarming rise in cybercrimes exploiting this sacred pilgrimage. Devotees eager to embark on this holy expedition are being warned to ensure their bookings are made exclusively through legitimate agents and authorized websites.
The Char Dham Yatra, which encompasses visits to the revered sites of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri in Uttarakhand, is a journey cherished by many. However, cybercriminals have devised cunning strategies to take advantage of the unsuspecting pilgrims. Utilizing fake digital platforms, crafty individuals are posing as legitimate travel agents, offering bogus services such as hotel reservations, taxi bookings, tour packages, and even helicopter journeys.
The Director General of Police (Cyber Crime), Hemant Priyadarshi, emphasized the increased vigilance necessary to tackle the surge in online scams. These fraudulent activities mainly manifest through misleading advertisements, fake websites, and fraudulent social media accounts on platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram. Even search engines like Google are being manipulated to display deceptive advertisements.
To ensure a safe pilgrimage, travelers must meticulously verify the credentials of websites and agents before making any arrangements. Official bookings can be securely processed through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website or by visiting the office of the District or Sector Magistrate offline.
Authorities strongly urge anyone encountering suspicious behavior or perceived fraud to immediately report it. While the Cyber Helpline number 1930 is available, individuals can also utilize the Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or visit their nearest police station or a dedicated Cyber police station for assistance.
Earlier, on April 19, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, affiliated with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, issued a nationwide caution about the prevalence of these online booking scams targeting Char Dham Yatra pilgrims. The center highlighted that these fraudulent schemes are proliferating via professional-looking but illicit websites, misleading social media posts, and strategically placed advertisements on prevalent search engines.
Such threats demonstrate a disturbing trend where malicious actors create and promote facsimile services through credible appearing digital interfaces. They lure potential victims with promises of seamless religious tours, exploiting the deep-seated trust and devotion of pilgrims.
As this sacred journey marks an important personal and spiritual milestone for many, it is crucial that potential pilgrims stay informed and vigilant. By steering clear of unauthorized agents and dubious online platforms, individuals can protect themselves from falling prey to these deceitful traps.
The efforts by the Rajasthan Police and other cybercrime agencies are part of a broader initiative to not only counteract these digital deceits but also to educate the public about the potential pitfalls in cyber space. Such vigilance ensures that the precious and transformative experience of the Char Dham Yatra remains unmarred by unfortunate encounters in the virtual world.
