PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
With the Char Dham Yatra having started on Sunday, the police have made all necessary arrangements for security of the pilgrims. However, fraudsters are targeting pilgrims by targetting them in the name of hotel bookings and helicopter services for the pilgrimage. Taking action against such elements, the Special Task Force (STF) has cracked down on cyber criminals by blocking 180 fake social media links and initiating action against 52 suspicious mobile phone numbers.
According to officials, many fraudsters were creating fake websites, Facebook pages and Instagram accounts, especially for Kedarnath helicopter bookings. These fake platforms were used to target pilgrims and dupe them. Some people had already become victims of such scams.
To stop such crimes, the STF formed a special Social Media Monitoring and Action Team under the leadership of senior superintendent of police STF Ajai Singh. The team is keeping a close watch on online platforms. The STF has also registered cases against several people involved in running these fake links and mobile numbers. Officials said strict action will continue against such cyber criminals.
Singh said that fraudsters create fake websites that closely resemble real ones and then carry out bookings through them. He advised people not to fall into such traps and to use only official platforms like the IRCTC website or other trusted booking websites. He further informed that the number 8394833833 is associated with Uttarakhand Tourism. If one sends a message on this number via WhatsApp regarding the Yatra, it will provide you with a link for helicopter services, through which bookings can be made.
At times, fraudsters lure people with attractive offers and cheap packages to trap them. Police have advised pilgrims to use only official websites and authorised platforms for registration and booking. The STF SSP also advised people to report any cyber fraud immediately on the helpline number 1930. Singh said that the STF is following a zero-tolerance policy against cyber crime and will continue monitoring to ensure a safe and secure Char Dham Yatra for all pilgrims.
