Beware of Fake Heli Ticket Booking Websites: Uttarakhand STF Busts Fraud Gang
As the Chardham Yatra takes place in Uttarakhand, devotees from across the country are eager to book helicopter tickets for Kedarnath darshan. Unfortunately, this enthusiasm has been exploited by cybercriminals who have set up fake websites, leading to fraudulent activities. However, the Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) has recently made significant progress in combating this issue. They have arrested two members of a fraud gang operating from Bihar and have blocked 35 fake websites associated with Chardham Heli Seva. This article serves as a warning and provides a step-by-step explanation of the fraudulent activities and precautions to be taken while booking heli tickets.
The Arrest of Fraudsters:
The Uttarakhand STF team apprehended two individuals from Sheikhpura, Bihar, who were pretending to be employees of Himalayan Heli Service. These individuals were using fake websites to deceive innocent people seeking heli services for the Chardham Yatra. The gang members used various fake mobile numbers, mobile handsets, and bank accounts to carry out their fraudulent activities.
Victims and Complaints:
Several individuals fell victim to this scam, losing significant amounts of money. Prakash Chandra Purohit from Uttarakhand was cheated of ₹61,500, Justin Joseph from Jaipur lost ₹33,000, DKS Murthy from Tamil Nadu was defrauded of ₹48,947, and Ashok Kumar from Gujarat lost ₹30,000. Victims from other states, including Rajasthan, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, also filed complaints with the Cyber Crime Police Station in Dehradun.
STF Action and Investigation:
Upon receiving the complaints, the police registered a case and formed a dedicated STF team to apprehend the fraudsters. By gathering clues and details, the STF team successfully traced the gang members to Sheikhpura in Bihar. Two members, Sunny Raj and Bobby Ravidas, were arrested. The STF is now actively searching for other members of the gang and the mastermind behind the operation.
Modus Operandi:
The accused operated by obtaining SIM cards using fake IDs and creating fake websites for heli service companies. These websites were equipped with WhatsApp API integration, allowing the fraudsters to establish contact with victims. Posing as employees of Heli Services, they provided fake IDs and assured victims of ticket bookings. To carry out the fraud, the gang members provided fake bank account details and promptly closed the accounts once the money was deposited.
Precautions and Official Booking:
To avoid falling victim to such scams, it is crucial to book heli tickets only through the official website of IRCTC: www.heliyatra.irctc.co.in. This is the authorized platform for heli service bookings, and any other website claiming to offer similar services should be regarded as suspicious. If you come across any fake heli service website, mobile number, or link, you should promptly inform the STF through their dedicated mobile numbers, 9456591505 and 9412080875, which also serve as WhatsApp contacts for reporting fraudulent activities.
Conclusion:
The recent arrest of two fraudsters and the blocking of 35 fake websites associated with heli ticket bookings is a significant step towards curbing this fraudulent activity in Uttarakhand. However, it is crucial for potential visitors to exercise caution and remain vigilant while booking heli tickets for the Chardham Yatra. By relying solely on the official IRCTC website and promptly reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities, pilgrims can protect themselves from falling prey to such scams.
