Fake websites emerge to dupe Tirumala pilgrims

Tirupati: Fake websites and misleading social media campaigns are targeting devotees planning to visit Tirumala, prompting the Tirupati district police and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to warn pilgrims against online fraud. Police have urged devotees to make darshan, accommodation and seva ticket bookings only through the official TTD website and mobile app.

According to the police, cyber criminals have been creating fake websites, mobile apps and social media links that closely resemble TTD’s official platforms to cheat devotees. A fake website, ‘ttddevasthanam.online’, has recently been circulating on social media, falsely claiming that darshan and seva tickets for August, September and October are available. The website attempts to collect money from devotees through fraudulent bookings.

TTD provides darshan, accommodation, Special Entry Darshan and seva tickets only through its official website and mobile application. Any other website or app offering these services should be treated with suspicion, officials said.

The Tirupati district police, in coordination with the TTD Vigilance Department, are monitoring fake websites, suspicious social media links and other online activities.

With the help of domain service providers, officials have identified and removed 32 fake websites created in the names of Tirumala guest houses and accommodation facilities. However, police cautioned that cyber criminals may continue launching new fake websites under different names and domain addresses.

Tirupati Superintendent of Police L Subba Rayudu said the safety and convenience of devotees remain the district police’s top priority. Police are maintaining constant surveillance on cyber criminals who misuse the faith of pilgrims and are working closely with the TTD Vigilance Department to identify and act against fake websites and online fraud.

He appealed to devotees to remain alert, use only official TTD platforms and avoid attractive offers circulated on social media.

Police advised devotees to verify website addresses before making any booking and not to click on unknown links received through social media or WhatsApp. They also warned pilgrims against trusting agents or websites promising low-cost rooms, instant darshan, special entry or seva tickets.

Suspicious websites, mobile apps and social media links should be reported immediately to the police or the TTD Vigilance Department, while victims of cyber fraud should file complaints without delay. Meanwhile, TTD has lodged a police complaint against SCP Developers over social media reels claiming that buyers of its plots on the Tirupati highway would receive ‘lifetime VIP Break Darshan’.

TTD clarified that it has no connection with the campaign and that no private company or individual has the authority to promise VIP Break Darshan or any other temple service.

It urged devotees not to believe such advertisements or promotional claims and to rely only on official TTD sources for information and bookings.