PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
Rudraprayag Police have blocked 265 fake links, including websites, social media pages, bank accounts, and mobile numbers so far on Monday. This action was against cyber criminals who try to cheat pilgrims in the name of helicopter booking for the Kedarnath Yatra.
Police said that every year before the yatra, fraudsters create fake websites and social media pages to trap people and take money in the name of helicopter tickets. Many pilgrims fall into this trap and lose their savings. This time, the police have taken early action to stop such scams. Out of 111 fake Facebook pages, 106 have been removed, and 16 Instagram accounts have been reported. Also, 55 mobile numbers used in fraud have been blocked, while action is being taken on others.
The police have also checked six bank accounts linked to the fraud, and one account has been frozen so far. Apart from this, 22 suspicious websites offering helicopter tickets have been reported for action.
Rudraprayag superintendent of police Niharika Tomar has advised pilgrims to book helicopter tickets only from the official website and not trust any unknown links or social media ads. She also asked people to immediately call 1930 if they face any cyber fraud. Police said they are keeping a close watch online and following a zero-tolerance policy to ensure a safe Kedarnath Yatra for all pilgrims.
