Uttarakhand STF Uncovers Major Cyber Fraud Targeting Pilgrims Ahead of Char Dham Yatra
In a significant crackdown ahead of the upcoming Char Dham pilgrimage, the Special Task Force (STF) of Uttarakhand has successfully dismantled a sophisticated cyber fraud racket. This criminal network was specifically targeting pilgrims through fraudulent helicopter booking services, exploiting the high demand for aerial transport to sacred sites.
Fake Social Media Pages and Websites Used to Dupe Victims
Officials revealed on Thursday that the fraudsters were operating under the guise of 'Pawan Hans Limited,' creating counterfeit pages on Meta platforms and other social media channels. Through a joint review conducted with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, authorities discovered that these criminals had established fake accounts, pages, and websites to lure unsuspecting users with bogus Kedarnath helicopter bookings.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the network is primarily being operated from Bihar, utilizing fake mobile numbers and bank accounts to deceive victims. A senior STF official, who is privy to the matter, emphasized the organized nature of this operation, which specifically preys on pilgrims preparing for the spiritual journey.
Immediate Action Taken Against Fraudulent Accounts
The STF has identified all fraudulent accounts associated with this racket and has formally notified social media platforms to take down these bogus profiles. Surveillance of suspicious bank accounts and mobile numbers has been significantly intensified to prevent further financial losses to pilgrims. This proactive measure aims to curb the activities of these cyber criminals before the yatra gains momentum.
SSP STF Ajai Singh announced that a large-scale cyber awareness campaign will be launched to alert the public about these fraudulent schemes. This initiative is designed to educate pilgrims and the general population about recognizing and avoiding such online scams, particularly those involving essential travel services.
Heightened Vigilance as Char Dham Yatra Approaches
This warning comes at a critical time, with the Char Dham yatra set to commence shortly. The portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri temples are scheduled to open on April 19, followed by the Kedarnath temple on April 22 and the Badrinath temple two days later. The annual pilgrimage attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees each year, many of whom opt for helicopter services, especially for the challenging trek to Kedarnath.
Officials have issued a stern advisory, urging all pilgrims to book helicopter services exclusively through official and verified platforms. They emphasize the importance of verifying the authenticity of any service provider before making any financial transactions. This precaution is crucial to ensure a safe and secure pilgrimage experience, free from the distress caused by such fraudulent activities.
The STF's swift action underscores the state's commitment to protecting pilgrims and maintaining the integrity of the Char Dham yatra. As the pilgrimage season approaches, authorities remain on high alert to prevent any further exploitation of devotees through cyber fraud.
