Ayodhya Ram Mandir WhatsApp Scam: Scammers trick devotees, promise fake ‘free VIP entry’ on Jan 22

In anticipation of the upcoming pran pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, preparations are underway with a mighty fervour. However, cybercriminals are taking advantage of the situation by deploying traps to deceive unsuspecting devotees. Numerous people have reported receiving WhatsApp messages offering free VIP entry to the pran pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Mandir, signalling a potential cyber threat. According to a News18 report, the deceptive WhatsApp message, promising VIP access to the Ram Mandir pran pratishtha ceremony on January 22, instructs recipients to download an APK file. The file is suspected of installing spyware or malware on the device upon installation. The message encourages users with the following prompt: “Congratulations! You are getting VIP access at Ram Mandir’s inauguration on January 22; download the VIP Pass by installing the application.” Experts speculate that through this spyware, hackers may gain access to sensitive user data, including private photos, videos, contact lists, and more, paving the way for potential financial fraud. Devotees must recognize that neither the government nor the Ram Mandir Trust is issuing VIP entry invites, in exchange of downloading an app. Downloading fraudulent apps poses a significant risk of financial loss and data theft. Additionally, reports from users on various platforms indicate the emergence of websites claiming to offer free prasad from the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. These sites assert that devotees only need to cover shipping charges. While the authenticity of these websites remains unconfirmed, devotees are advised to exercise caution online and interact only with trusted websites or services. In response to the heightened excitement among devotees and the increased activity of cybercriminals, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged people not to visit the Ram Mandir on January 22, the day of the pran pratishtha of the temple. Instead, he has recommended that devotees light a diya at their homes, emphasizing the importance of staying safe and vigilant during this significant event.