Amid rising online travel scams, Indian authorities have issued a warning against a fake website allegedly selling Taj Mahal entry tickets. Officials said the advisory was released after concerns grew over tourists losing money and exposing personal information through fraudulent booking portals.
The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre’s CyberDost initiative shared the alert on X, identifying “ticketstajmahal.com” as a suspicious website allegedly posing as an official Taj Mahal ticket booking platform. Authorities warned that such websites are often designed to closely resemble genuine portals to mislead users into making payments.
According to officials, cybercriminals are increasingly using fake travel and ticket booking websites to target tourists, especially during peak travel and holiday seasons. Users have been advised to carefully verify website URLs before entering payment details or personal information online.
The department also cautioned people against websites offering “fast booking” services or unrealistic discounts without proper verification. Authorities stressed that monument tickets should only be booked through official government-approved platforms.
“Fake booking websites can put both your money and personal data at risk,” the advisory noted.
CyberDost also urged victims of online fraud to immediately report incidents through the national cybercrime helpline number 1930 or the official cybercrime reporting portal.
Following the warning, several users on X questioned why the alleged fake website was still operational despite the advisory being issued. Some users said awareness campaigns are useful, but stronger action is needed to shut down fraudulent websites quickly to prevent more people from being cheated.
One user also shared a personal experience related to cyber fraud and asked whether lost money could be recovered after filing a complaint with cybercrime authorities.
Cybersecurity experts advised tourists to avoid clicking on suspicious ads, links, or emails offering ticket deals. Authorities further recommended booking tickets only through trusted government portals and verified travel operators. Users have also been advised not to share banking or personal information on unfamiliar websites.
The incident once again highlights the growing threat of fake travel and booking platforms as online tourism scams continue to rise.
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