Ayodhya Ram Mandir WhatsApp Scam: A fresh threat has surfaced as the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya prepares for its Pran Pratishtha celebration on January 22. Cybercriminals are capitalizing on the excitement by using a misleading WhatsApp scam to target gullible believers.
Some devotees are reportedly receiving messages offering a phony VIP pass to the Ram Mandir event. Users are advised to download an APK file in order to protect their VIP access. Experts worry that this file might have malware or spyware, which could steal users’ data.
“You are getting VIP access at Ram Mandir’s inauguration on January 22; download the VIP Pass by installing the application,” reads the message, enticing users with congratulations. It’s crucial to remember that downloading applications does not result in VIP invitations from the government or the Ram Mandir Trust.
On January 22, anyone who have legitimate invitations or are performing official government business will be the only ones permitted entry into Ayodhya. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reportedly gave the go-ahead for officials to persuade neighborhood hotels to favor guests invited by the trust above earlier reservations.
There have been complaints of websites purporting to provide free prasad from the Ayodhya Ram Mandir in addition to the WhatsApp scam. The legitimacy of these websites is questionable, however followers are requested to pay shipping costs. Followers are cautioned to use caution while interacting with websites and to stick to trusted sources.
Devotees are urged to exercise caution when using the internet and to avoid falling for schemes that take advantage of the national excitement surrounding the Ram Mandir celebration.
