With the upcoming Pran Pratishtha ceremony for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, a misleading WhatsApp scam has emerged, posing a potential threat to unsuspecting individuals. It is strongly advised for Indians to exercise caution and not fall for offers claiming free VIP entry or complimentary prasad. Here are the pertinent details.
As the Pran Pratishtha ceremony for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya draws near on January 22, a deceptive WhatsApp scam has emerged, posing a new threat to unsuspecting individuals. Cybercriminals are exploiting the anticipation surrounding the event, targeting unwary devotees with a fraudulent offer of free VIP entry. Here is the complete story.
WhatsApp users are reportedly receiving messages on the platform claiming to provide a complimentary VIP pass for the Ram Mandir inauguration. However, these offers are fraudulent, and individuals should exercise caution and refrain from trusting them. The misleading messages are circulating among people, and some users have raised questions about their authenticity on social media platforms like Twitter. The deceptive message urges users to download an APK file to secure their VIP access. Security experts suspect that this file may contain spyware or malware, posing a significant risk of data theft to those who fall victim to the scam. It is strongly advised not to download or open any links provided in the message.
The message falsely congratulates recipients, stating, “You are getting VIP access at Ram Mandir’s inauguration on January 22; download the VIP Pass by installing the application.” It is crucial to note that neither the government nor the Ram Mandir Trust issues VIP invitations in exchange for downloading apps. Legitimate entry is restricted to individuals with valid invitations or those on official government duties.
To ensure a smooth event, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed authorities to work towards canceling advance bookings at local hotels, prioritizing accommodation for those officially invited by the trust, as reported by Times of India.
Beyond the WhatsApp scam, concerns arise about fake websites offering complimentary prasad from Ayodhya Ram Mandir. Devotees are asked to pay shipping charges, but the legitimacy of these sites is uncertain. Hence, it is advisable not to spend money on such offerings without receiving a legitimate message from the government. To avoid potential scams, users are urged to exercise caution online, stick to interacting with trusted websites, and rely on official government channels for information while avoiding any suspicious requests or offers related to the upcoming inauguration.
