UDUPI: A case has been registered in Kollur, Udupi district, after a fake website resembling the official Kollur Mookambika Temple portal duped devotees by offering fraudulent accommodation bookings.
According to the complaint filed by Prashanth Kumar Shetty, Executive Officer of Sri Mookambika Temple, an unidentified individual created a bogus website titled “Karnataka Temple Accommodation.” The website misled devotees into believing it was the official booking platform for temple lodges and guest houses.
Devotees cheated via fake QR codes and receipts
Several devotees booked rooms at the temple’s Lalithambika Guest House through this fake portal. After taking the bookings, the accused allegedly collected money by sending a PhonePe QR code via WhatsApp and then issued fake receipts to the victims.
Unaware of the fraud, devotees arrived at the temple expecting confirmed accommodation, only to discover that their bookings were invalid. This led to confusion and distress among pilgrims visiting the temple.
Police register cyber fraud case
Following the complaint, Kollur Police registered a case under Section 66(C) of the Information Technology Act, which pertains to identity theft, and Section 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating.
Police sources said that efforts are underway to trace the person behind the fake website and identify others who might have been involved in creating or promoting it. Investigators are also examining the digital trail of the PhonePe transactions and the WhatsApp communications used to deceive devotees.
Temple authorities urge caution among devotees
Temple authorities have appealed to devotees to book accommodation only through official channels and avoid relying on third-party websites or links shared via social media and messaging platforms.
“We request devotees to verify the authenticity of websites before making any payment. The temple’s official booking details are available only on the government-approved portal,” said a temple official.
Authorities are also considering issuing public notices and updating signage at the temple premises to prevent further incidents of online fraud.
The incident serves as a warning against rising cases of cyber fraud targeting religious institutions and unsuspecting pilgrims across Karnataka.