Mayapur/Kolkata: With the festive season approaching, the number of pilgrims is increasing rapidly. In such a situation, ISKCON Mayapur has alerted people about a serious online accommodation scam. Many devotees and tourists from different parts of India and the world have already lost money due to this scam. The temple authorities have lodged an FIR in this regard, and the matter is currently being investigated by law enforcement agencies and anti-cyber crime agencies. According to ISKCON sources, fraudsters have created several fake websites and WhatsApp-based booking channels where false claims of providing rooms in Mayapur's famous accommodation centers—Prabhupad Village, Isodayan, Gada Bhawan, Kancha Bhawan and Geeta Bhawan—are being made. One such unauthorized website identified by the authorities is www.prabhupadvillage.com. Many more such fake websites are active.
Radharaman Das, vice-president of ISKCON Kolkata, said, "These websites appear to be very professional and trustworthy. They sometimes offer discounts or special offers when demand for rooms is high during festivals, and then suddenly disappear after taking the full amount."
Authorized booking portal only
ISCON has clearly stated that ISCON is the only official and authorized website to book rooms in Mayapur:
https://www.visitmayapur.com/
Additionally, officials have warned that bookings made through any other website, agent, WhatsApp number or phone call are unauthorized and risky.
family in trouble
The effect of this scam is very bad. As the houses become less vacant during festivals, many people are searching online and falling prey to these fake portals. Many people have come to Mayapur with their families, traveling long distances—sometimes from abroad—only to find that their bookings do not exist. "People with elderly parents and children come in the hope of a confirmed booking, and when they come here, they realize that they have been cheated. In many cases, the entire money is lost," said Radharaman Das.
FIR filed, investigation underway
Confirming the legal action, ISKCON Kolkata vice-president Radharaman Das said an FIR has been filed in the incident and the matter has been reported to the highest level.
> "This is a serious criminal attack on trust and confidence. Not only the devotees, but also the common tourists coming from different parts of the world are being devastated financially and mentally. ISKCON Mayapur has filed an FIR and the law is taking its course. Until these fraudsters are stopped, awareness among the people is the best defence," he said. public advisory
ISKCON has requested devotees and tourists to-
Book rooms only here: https://www.visitmayapur.com/
Booking through WhatsApp, avoid personal phone calls or agents
Don't be misled by discounts, rush claims or unofficial trust
Check website URL carefully before making payment
The temple authorities have appealed to everyone to spread this warning as much as possible, so that the holy and spiritual visit to Mayapur does not turn into a scary experience in any way.
