The International Society for Krishna Consciousness in Mayapur has taken strong legal action. Temple officials filed a First Information Report on Friday. This move follows a sharp rise in sophisticated online accommodation scams. These scams specifically target devotees planning pilgrimages to the holy site.
Devotees Lose Large Sums to Convincing Fake Websites
Iskcon Mayapur also issued a high-level alert to the public. Numerous devotees from India and abroad reported significant financial losses. They were cheated by fraudulent booking portals that look remarkably authentic.
Police authorities in West Bengal's Nadia district confirmed the FIR. A police officer stated they have received the complaint and initiated an investigation. Specialised cybercrime agencies are now involved in the case.
Scammers Impersonate Official Booking Channels
According to Iskcon officials, fraudsters created deceptive websites and WhatsApp channels. These platforms closely mimic the organisation's official accommodation booking system. They falsely advertise rooms at popular guest houses like Prabhupad Village and Gita Bhavan.
Officials specifically identified http://www.prabhupadvillage.com as a fraudulent site. They warned that several other unauthorised portals operate with similar deceptive tactics.
Radharamn Das, Vice-President of Iskcon Kolkata, explained the scam's mechanics. "These websites look professional and convincing," he said. "They offer rooms during peak festival periods, sometimes promising discounts. Then they simply disappear after collecting full payment."
Families Discover Fraud Only Upon Arrival
The impact of these scams has been particularly distressing for affected families. Many discover the fraud only after completing long journeys to Mayapur. They arrive with elderly parents and children expecting confirmed accommodations.
"People come expecting rooms, only to find their bookings never existed," Das added. "This is a serious criminal exploitation of faith and trust."
Iskcon Clarifies Official Booking Procedures
Iskcon management issued clear guidelines to prevent further victimisation. They stated there is only one authorised portal for all accommodation bookings in Mayapur.
The temple provided this crucial advice to devotees:
- Any bookings made via WhatsApp, private phone calls, or third-party agents are unauthorised.
- Official staff will never pressure visitors into urgent payments through unofficial links.
- Payments should only be processed through the single verified domain.
Temple Hopes FIR Will Dismantle Digital Traps
By lodging the formal police complaint, Iskcon aims to dismantle these digital traps. Temple authorities hope to bring those responsible to justice through proper legal channels.
Until law enforcement resolves the matter, temple officials emphasize that awareness remains the most effective safeguard. They urge all devotees to exercise extreme caution when booking accommodations online.
Practical Safety Measures for Pilgrims
Iskcon Mayapur recommends several practical steps for a safe pilgrimage experience:
- Carefully verify website URLs before entering any personal or payment information.
- Avoid so-called "special discount" offers from unverified sources.
- Cross-check any booking confirmation directly with official temple channels.
- Report suspicious websites or communication attempts to temple authorities immediately.
The temple's alert comes during a period of increased pilgrimage activity. Authorities want to ensure devotees can focus on spiritual practice without financial worry or logistical disruption.
