Hyderabad: The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has issued a warning to residents about fraudulent websites targeting individuals with online booking scams for accommodations and passes ahead of the Mahakumbh Mela, set to begin on January 13 at Prayagraj. Lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad are expected to attend the event.
The TGCSB advisory highlights the rise of fake websites, links, and social media platforms designed to exploit the faith of devotees planning to visit the Mahakumbh.
Shikha Goel, TGCSB chief, stated, “It has come to the attention of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs that fraudulent platforms may deceive people by offering hotel, tent, and accommodation bookings for the event. Some may even trick devotees into downloading malicious files that compromise their devices.”
The advisory urges devotees to avoid clicking on suspicious websites or links. Official event information can be accessed via the legitimate website, kumbh.gov.in. It also advises against sharing sensitive financial details or passwords with unsolicited callers or platforms. In case of suspected fraud, people are urged to contact the cyber crime helpline or their nearest police station.
Additionally, officials pointed out that Cyber Dost, the official I4C platform, has shared a list of authorized accommodation locations, including hotels and guesthouses for the Kumbh Mela. The police issued the advisory following observations from central authorities, particularly with a large number of devotees from Telangana expected to attend.
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