The government has issued a warning regarding scams involving fake IRCTC websites. Cybercriminals are currently defrauding people by creating fraudulent websites. Pilgrims are being scammed under the guise of helicopter booking services. The Ministry of Home Affairs’ cyber security wing, I4C, issued this warning via its official X handle and advised the public to stay vigilant.
Fraud via Fake IRCTC Websites
I4C Cyber Dost stated on its X handle that cybercriminals can lure people into scams involving fake travel services, helicopter bookings, and fraudulent payment requests through deceptive booking websites and misleading links. People should avoid such fake websites and report any incidents to the cybercrime helpline number.
Previously, I4C had also warned the public about scams involving fake websites posing as the National Cyber Crime Helpline. Cybercriminals are ensnaring people by creating fake helicopter booking websites in the name of IRCTC. With the Amarnath Yatra (pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine) commencing on July 3, pilgrims are being targeted.
In its post, I4C highlighted two fake websites: irctchelicopter.com and irctchellyatra.com. Attempts are being made to defraud people using these sites. I4C clarified that these are not legitimate booking websites and advised the public to steer clear of them. People are urged to make any bookings exclusively through official websites.
Points to Remember
Government websites typically end with .gov.in; do not trust websites that lack this suffix.
Always make tourism-related bookings through the relevant department’s website or an official portal.
Carefully check the URL before entering booking details; you will often spot errors in the URLs of fake websites. Never click on sponsored links on social media or Google, and do not trust them blindly.
Do not open links promising cheap offers or requiring urgent confirmation.
If you suspect any form of cyber fraud, call the helpline number 1930 or report it on the website cybercrime.gov.in.
