I4C alerts public to online booking scams targeting pilgrims and tourists
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre under the Home Ministry alerted the public on 19 April 2025 about fake websites and social media pages offering pilgrimage and travel bookings, including Kedarnath helicopter services.
Summary
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, alerted the public on 19 April 2025 about online booking frauds targeting pilgrims and tourists through fake websites, social media pages, WhatsApp accounts and paid search ads. The scams offer helicopter bookings for Kedarnath and Char Dham, guest house and hotel bookings, cab services and religious tour packages. People were advised to verify websites, avoid unknown 'sponsored' links, book through official portals or trusted agents, and report fraud at cybercrime.gov.in or on helpline 1930.
Key facts
- Issued by
- I4C, Ministry of Home Affairs
- Scams
- Kedarnath/Char Dham helicopter, hotels, cabs, tour packages
- Channels
- Fake websites, social media, WhatsApp, paid search ads
- Report
- cybercrime.gov.in or 1930
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Which helpline number did I4C advise people to call to report online booking frauds, in its alert of April 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1930
1930, along with the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in).
Consider the following about the I4C alert of 19 April 2025: 1. I4C functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. 2. The scams flagged include fake helicopter bookings for Kedarnath. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. I4C functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.