Warning for Traversing the Web With Pilgrimage Tour Victims. As thousands of pilgrims set about an arduous summer trek to Kedarnath and Somnath, the cyber criminals sharpen their agenda. They set up fake websites and lure naïve worshippers with enchanting travel offers as bait.
From a Holy Journey Into a Trap
Quite often the first steps involve the pilgrim searching for a tour package online. They are met with a good looking website that showcases almost an unbelievable deal for a religious package. The site looks legitimate prices appear quite reasonable, and a hassle free spiritual show is assured. The moment one pays for the package the website shuts down into oblivion and so does their money.
Recently, the cybercrime tracking agency of the government CyberDost I4C, also put up an advisory on social media urging everyone to book travels only through recognized and official channels.
How the scam works: Copycat sites
These scammers are very smart operators. They create websites that are counterfeit They completely copy the designs and branding of real travel companies. Most people tend to overlook even the slightest change in the site URL. These fake websites are designed to look professional and ironically they employ and misuse secure “HTTPS” connections to sell a false feeling of security to unsuspecting tourists.
Once the victims start entering their bank or personal information for package booking, these are Alzheimer’s taken by the wrong guys.
The victims end up losing money for the trip and more money by having money directly siphoned out of their bank accounts.
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Spot the Fake: What to Look For
Though sometimes tricky there are some tell-tale signs that allow you to differentiate a fraudulent travel website before it is too late:
Check out the URL: Often times, fake sites will be in such domains as “.xyz,” or “”.info”: whereas, a legitimate site will be in “.com,” or “”.org.”
Don’t Trust Because of an HTTPS: The presence of a lock symbol or the word “HTTPS” on the site does not guarantee it is of good intent. Scammers use this sign themselves on the sites to beguile unsuspecting users.
Errors All Along – A clue might be formatting errors and spelling errors. Such things are very rarely found in professional websites.
Always Verify the Contact Information
Lacking or inadequate contact information is also a red flag. Try calling numbers or sending emails given in the listing. Genuine businesses would hold a working customer service line. No answers or suspicious numbers would be warning.
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Stay Updated with CyberDost
In case of skeptical websites, check out CyberDost’s profile on X (formerly Twitter). They often warn about ongoing scam operations and provide tips on how to stay safe. This news will be an absolute savior for those that are bookers for the first time or anyone who is not familiar with online booking.
Booking Tours: Stay Safe, Stay Smart
Ultimately, it is all in the hands of the individual for their own online privacy. This simply means do not click on random advertisements bravely promoting cheap religious tours and do not even dream of entering any external doors of such dubious internet shops. Continue to use only the original travel websites or a licensed travel agent.
Secure reservations are the beginning of a peaceful pilgrimage forward. Do not allow any form of fraud to tarnish your spiritual journey. Be vigilant inspect every little nook and cranny and believe a reliable source only.