Cyber Fraud Alert Ahead of Char Dham Yatra: Pilgrims Asked to Stay Careful.

As Uttarakhand prepares for the Char Dham Yatra starting April 30, officials have raised a warning about rising cyber frauds targeting devotees.

Every year, lakhs of pilgrims travel to the holy shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. But now, many fraudsters are trying to take advantage of this spiritual journey by tricking people online to commit Cyber Fraud.

Helicopter services to Kedarnath will begin on May 2, the same day the temple opens. Online booking for these services started on April 8 and is being managed by the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) and IRCTC. Pilgrims are advised to use only the official website: heliyatra.irctc.co.in for bookings.

Last year, more than 80 fake websites, 30 fake Facebook ads, and over 50 bank accounts involved in cyber fraud were shut down. Several people were arrested, and their phones and laptops were seized. This year too, cyber police and UCADA are closely watching for such activities.

Important Safety Advice for Char Dham Yatra Pilgrims

To avoid falling into online traps, here are some simple but important tips for all pilgrims:

• Book Only on Official Website: Use only heliyatra.irctc.co.in for helicopter bookings. Do not trust unknown links on WhatsApp, email, or social media.
• Check the Website Address: Always make sure the website address is correct and from a trusted source. Avoid sites that look suspicious or offer deals that seem too good to be true.
• Do Not Share Personal Documents: Never upload your Aadhaar, PAN card, or other ID proofs on random websites or with unverified agents.
• Ignore Unrealistic Offers: Be careful of people who promise quick or confirmed bookings at very low prices. These are usually scams.
• Report Any Suspicious Activity: If you see a fake site, receive a strange message, or find anything suspicious, report it immediately to the Cyber Helpline: 1930.
• Keep Your Phone and Computer Safe: Use antivirus protection and avoid booking from public Wi-Fi or shared computers.
• Follow Official Updates Only: Always rely on news and announcements from government departments, UCADA, or local police. Do not believe random social media posts.

Being alert can protect you from Cyber Fraud. Share this information with others and help make this year’s Char Dham Yatra safe and peaceful for everyone.

– Story Aaj

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