With Char Dham Yatra, which covers Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri and Badrinath, opening its doors to the devotees by 2025, the Ministry of Interior Affairs has issued a public alert alert alertness about the increasing cases of online fruds.
The Condict Coordination Center of India (I4C), which works under the Ministry of Interior, has marked an increase in digital scams aimed at religious tourists. The warning comes at a time when thousands of devotees are preparing to embark on the annual pilgrimage to the sacred sites in Uttarakhand.
According to the Ministry, cybercounts are exploiting religious feelings and the urgency of pilgrims through the creation of false websites and social media accounts that are very similar to the suppliers of genuine services. These fraudulent platforms announce services, such as helicopter reserves for Kedarnath, guest and hotels reserves, taxi or taxi services reserves, and equally complete vacation packages or religious tourists.
These scams are often extended through Facebook deceptive publications, WhatsApp messages and paid ads in popular search engines such as Google. Criminals use websites designed by professionals and sacrifice rates to attract victims who do not seek, to bring them to make advance payments for non -existent services.
The I4C has urged the public to remain vigilant and not fall in love with sacrifices to get too good to be true. The reservation recommends only through official portals and platforms authorized by the Government.
Char Dham Yatra is considered one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism, attracting Devotos Lakhs every year throughout the country. With the increasing digital fraud, the authorities emphasize that pilgrims must verify the authenticity of the websites and the agencies they are dealing with.
Pilgrims are also advised to denounce any suspicious website or announcement to the National Cyber Crime Reporting portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) to help stop such activities.
As the Yatra season accelerates, the government’s message is clear: do not let the fraud ruin your spiritual trip: stay alert, reserve safely.