By Soniya:
The construction and inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya have inspired millions of devotees across India and abroad. However, the temple’s popularity has also led to a rise in fraudulent activities, with scammers exploiting devotees through fake donation campaigns, counterfeit websites, forged receipts, and misleading land sale schemes.
Fake Donation Scams
Cybercriminals have created fake websites, QR codes, social media pages, and messaging campaigns claiming to collect donations for the Ram Mandir. Many devotees have unknowingly transferred money believing they were contributing to the temple.
Authorities have repeatedly advised people to donate only through the official Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust channels and avoid links circulated on social media.
Fake Land Sale and Property Frauds
With Ayodhya witnessing rapid infrastructure development, several cases of fraudulent land deals have surfaced. Unscrupulous individuals have allegedly sold the same plot to multiple buyers, forged ownership documents, or falsely claimed to represent landowners near the Ram Mandir.
The Uttar Pradesh government has warned investors to verify land records through official authorities before purchasing property.
Fake Prasad and VIP Darshan Offers
Scammers have also targeted devotees by offering paid VIP darshan passes, online booking services, and home delivery of “Ram Mandir Prasad.” Many of these websites and social media accounts are fake and collect money without providing any legitimate service.
Temple authorities have clarified that official information regarding darshan and prasad should only be obtained from authorized sources.
Cyber Fraud During Festivals
During major festivals such as Ram Navami and Diwali, cybercrime agencies have reported an increase in phishing messages, fake apps, and fraudulent payment requests related to the Ram Mandir. These scams often imitate official logos and branding to deceive users.
How Devotees Can Stay Safe
- Donate only through the official Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
- Verify websites before making any payment.
- Avoid clicking on unknown links received via WhatsApp or social media.
- Confirm property ownership through government land records before purchasing land in Ayodhya.
- Report suspicious websites or cyber fraud to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or local police.
The Ram Mandir is one of India’s most significant religious landmarks, but its popularity has also attracted fraudsters seeking to exploit public faith. Staying informed, verifying official sources, and exercising caution while making donations or property investments can help devotees avoid scams and protect their finances.
