Government warns about online booking scams targeting pilgrims of Kedarnath, Chaar Dhaam and other religious places

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has alerted the public about online booking frauds, especially those targeting religious pilgrims and tourists across the country. These frauds are being perpetrated through fake websites, deceptive social media pages, Facebook posts, and paid advertisements on search engines like Google.

According to advisory, these scams involve the creation of professional-looking but fake websites and social media profiles and WhatsApp accounts offering services such as:

* Helicopter booking for Kedarnath, Chaar Dhaam

* Guest house and hotel booking for pilgrims

* Online cab/taxi service bookings

* Holiday packages and religious tours

Unsuspecting individuals, upon making payments through these portals, often realize they have been duped when no confirmation or service is received, and the contact numbers go unreachable.

Tips to follow while booking hotels/travel services for Kedarnath, Chaar Dhaam and other religious services

* Always verify the authenticity of websites before making any payments.

* Verify before clicking on “sponsored” or unknown links on Google, Facebook, or WhatsApp.

* Cross-check bookings only through official government portals or trusted travel agencies.

* Report such websites immediately at the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal: www.cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 in case of any frauds.

* Kedarnath Helicopter booking can be done via https://www.heliyatra.irctc.co.in

* Somnath Trust’s official website is https://somnath.org and guest house booking can be done via same.