Beware of Online Booking Scams Targeting Pilgrims and Tourists in India

On April 19, 2025, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, issued a critical alert warning the public about a rise in online booking scams targeting religious pilgrims and tourists across India. These scams, often disguised as legitimate services, exploit unsuspecting individuals through fake websites, deceptive social media pages, and paid advertisements. This article delves into the nature of these scams, how to protect yourself, and the measures being taken to combat them.

What Are These Online Booking Scams?

Scammers create professional-looking but fraudulent platforms offering services such as:

• Helicopter bookings for popular pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath and Chaar Dhaam.
• Guest house and hotel bookings for pilgrims.
• Online cab/taxi services for religious tours.
• Holiday packages and religious tour deals.

These scams typically operate through:

• Fake websites mimicking official portals.
• Deceptive social media accounts on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp.
• Paid ads on search engines like Google, luring users with attractive offers.

Victims often realize they’ve been scammed after making payments, only to receive no service confirmation, with contact numbers becoming unreachable.

How to Protect Yourself from Online Booking Scams:

To avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes, follow these essential tips:

• Verify Website Authenticity: 
• Always check the legitimacy of a website before making payments.
• For Kedarnath helicopter bookings, use the official portal: https://www.heliyatra.irctc.co.in.
• For Somnath Trust guest house bookings, visit: https://somnath.org.
• Be Cautious with Links:
• Avoid clicking on “sponsored” or unknown links on Google, Facebook, or WhatsApp.
• Cross-check bookings through official government portals or trusted travel agencies.
• Report Suspicious Activity:
• If you encounter a fraudulent website or suspect a scam, report it immediately via the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal: www.cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 for assistance.
• Use Trusted Platforms:
• Book services only through verified government websites or well-known travel agencies to ensure safety.

I4C’s Multi-Pronged Strategy to Combat Scams

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre is actively working to curb these scams through a comprehensive approach:

• Scam Signal Exchange:
• I4C collaborates with IT intermediaries like Google, WhatsApp, and Facebook to share scam signals for proactive detection and prevention.
• Enforcement:
• Cybercrime hotspots are identified, and State/Union Territory authorities are sensitized to take swift action.
• Cyber Patrolling:
• Fake websites, misleading advertisements, and impersonating social media accounts are disabled to protect citizens.
• Suspect Checking and Reporting:
• The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal now features a user-friendly suspect checking and reporting tool to facilitate hassle-free reporting of fraudulent activities.

Why This Matters

Online booking scams not only cause financial losses but also erode trust in digital platforms, particularly for pilgrims and tourists seeking seamless travel experiences. With religious tourism being a significant part of India’s cultural landscape, protecting vulnerable individuals from such frauds is crucial.

As online booking scams continue to target pilgrims and tourists, staying vigilant is essential. By verifying websites, avoiding suspicious links, and reporting fraudulent activities, you can protect yourself and others. The I4C’s proactive measures, combined with public awareness, aim to create a safer digital environment for all. Always use official portals like https://www.heliyatra.irctc.co.in for Kedarnath bookings and https://somnath.org for Somnath Trust services, and report scams promptly at www.cybercrime.gov.in or by calling 1930.
Stay safe, verify before you pay, and help spread awareness to protect others from online booking scams.