In a disturbing new cyber fraud scheme, miscreants are exploiting the devotion of temple-goers by creating fake websites and social media pages impersonating the renowned Sri Mookambika Temple in Kollur. The elaborate scam has already cheated numerous devotees out of significant amounts of money.
How the Elaborate Scam Operates
According to Udupi district police, fraudsters have created sophisticated replica websites that closely mimic the official Kollur Temple platform. These fake sites prominently feature online donation options that redirect devotees to fraudulent payment gateways.
The cyber criminals have also established fake social media accounts on popular platforms, using temple images and religious content to appear legitimate. These accounts then promote the fraudulent donation links to unsuspecting followers.
Police Investigation Reveals Sophisticated Operation
Udupi Superintendent of Police Arun K confirmed that authorities have identified multiple fake websites and social media profiles operating this scam. "We have observed that these fraudsters are using domain names very similar to the original temple website, making it difficult for devotees to distinguish between genuine and fake platforms," the SP warned.
Warning Signs for Devotees
- Check the website URL carefully - fake sites often use slight variations of the original domain name
- Verify social media accounts through official temple sources
- Avoid making payments through unfamiliar payment gateways
- Contact temple authorities directly to confirm online donation methods
- Be wary of social media accounts with recent creation dates
Official Temple Response
The Sri Mookambika Temple administration has clarified that they have only one official website for online services and donations. Temple authorities are working closely with cyber crime officials to shut down the fraudulent platforms and create awareness among devotees.
What to Do If You've Been Victimized
Police advise victims of this scam to immediately:
- File a formal complaint at the nearest police station
- Report the fraudulent websites to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
- Contact your bank to attempt transaction reversal
- Preserve all transaction records and screenshots
The Karnataka Police Cyber Crime division has intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators behind this religious exploitation scheme, emphasizing that cheating devotees in the name of faith constitutes a serious offense with severe legal consequences.
