Mahakumbh 2025: Don’t Get Scammed! Fake Hotel Websites Target Pilgrims—Over 50 Fraudulent Sites Shut Down in Prayagraj. Know Before You Book!

Prayagraj (The Uttam Hindu): Ahead of the Mahakumbh 2025, cyber fraudsters have started targeting pilgrims by creating fake websites in the name of prominent hotels. Millions of devotees are expected to visit Prayagraj for the grand event in January, and cybercriminals are taking advantage of the situation by duping people under the pretext of online hotel bookings. The manager of Kanha Shyam Hotel filed a complaint stating that fraudsters had created a fake website in the hotel’s name. Through this fraudulent platform, bookings were being made, and money was collected via QR codes. Police registered a case following the complaint and started investigating the matter.

During the investigation, it was discovered that these cyber fraudsters did not limit themselves to one hotel but had developed fake websites for several renowned hotels in Prayagraj. This included hotels like Ajay International Hotel and Marwari Dharamshala, among others. Speaking on the matter, Cyber Station In-Charge Rajiv Kumar Tiwari informed that over 50 fake websites had been created using the names of prominent hotels to mislead devotees and collect money illegally. The cyber police have taken swift action, and so far, 54 fake websites have been identified and shut down.

The upcoming Mahakumbh has led to a surge in bookings, with thousands of pilgrims securing accommodations in advance at hotels and tent houses near the mela area. This demand has provided cybercriminals an opportunity to trick devotees into paying for fraudulent bookings. The police have assured that they are actively monitoring such fraudulent activities and taking action to block fake platforms. Authorities have also urged pilgrims to be cautious while making online bookings, advising them to verify the authenticity of hotel websites before making any payments. With Mahakumbh 2025 approaching, the police continue their efforts to identify and eliminate such fraudulent websites, ensuring the safety of pilgrims traveling to Prayagraj.