An AI-generated illustration shows a distressed 66-year-old man after he was duped in a Char Dham Yatra booking scam
An officer from Ravet police said the sweets shopowner saw an advertisement related to Char Dham Yatra on social media in July and contacted the cellphone number mentioned in it. Rohidas Pawar, deputy commissioner of police (crime) in Pimpri Chinchwad, said cybercriminals have been creating fake websites and social media advertisements resembling a genuine booking platform as the Char Dham pilgrimage season is ongoing in Uttarakhand. Pimpri Chinchwad police have issued an advisory, warning citizens planning Char Dham pilgrimages about online fraudsters offering fake helicopter bookings, hotel reservations, and tour packages. The cyber police advised citizens to book Char Dham helicopter services only through the authorised website, ‘heliyatra.irctc.co.in’. They also urged travellers not to trust unknown websites or links offering unusually cheap helicopter tickets, hotel bookings or special tour packages.
The shopowner filed a complaint with Ravet police on Monday.
Fraudulent Tour Operator Scams Family Out of Rs 4 Lakh
A shopowner fell victim to a scam when a caller posing as a tour operator offered a discounted package for the Char Dham Yatra. The caller provided a bank account for the family to transfer funds. Subsequently, the complainant transferred Rs 4 lakh and booked air tickets and hotel accommodations based on the scammer’s assurances. Authorities are investigating the incident.