As the festive season approaches, thousands of people across India are preparing to travel home to celebrate with their families. But amid the rush to secure confirmed train tickets, many passengers are falling prey to online scams. Cybercriminals are exploiting the surge in demand by posing as agents or creating fake ticket-booking websites, duping travelers out of their hard-earned money.
During festivals like Chhath Puja, getting a confirmed seat on popular train routes becomes nearly impossible. Desperate passengers, unable to find tickets on official channels, often turn to so-called “agents” who claim to have inside connections with Indian Railways or IRCTC. Unfortunately, these assurances often end in fraud, with victims losing thousands of rupees to fake ticket deals.
Cybercriminals use multiple tactics to deceive passengers. They usually approach victims through social media, WhatsApp groups, or suspicious websites that look identical to IRCTC’s official platform. These scammers claim they can arrange confirmed tickets even on fully booked trains.
Once they gain the passenger’s trust, they ask for an advance payment—sometimes the full ticket amount. After the transaction, they either send fake e-tickets in PDF format or disappear altogether. Some even share forged booking confirmations that never exist in the actual IRCTC system.
The scam typically begins when victims click on a fake link or ad claiming to offer instant confirmed tickets. These fraudulent links redirect users to phishing pages designed to steal personal details and banking information.
In some cases, cybercriminals create mirror websites that closely resemble IRCTC’s genuine portal. The logos, colors, and layouts are copied so perfectly that even experienced users may not notice the difference. These fake platforms then prompt users to enter payment details, which are later misused to siphon money from their bank accounts.
Other fraudsters operate entirely through messaging platforms. They share screenshots of “available seats,” promise quick booking, and then ask for payment through UPI or digital wallets. Once the money is sent, communication stops, leaving the traveler stranded and without a valid ticket.
To protect yourself from falling victim to such frauds, follow these essential safety tips:
Use only official platforms. Book your tickets exclusively through www.irctc.co.in or the verified IRCTC mobile app.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links. Never trust ads or messages on WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook claiming to offer confirmed tickets.
Check the website URL carefully. A genuine IRCTC link always starts with “https://www.irctc.co.in.” Any variation could indicate a fake site.
Do not share personal or banking details. IRCTC or Indian Railways never ask for login credentials or OTPs through social media.
Avoid paying in advance to unknown agents. Always verify the authenticity of anyone claiming to be an IRCTC-authorized agent.
Report immediately. If you suspect a scam, contact the Cybercrime Helpline at 1930 or visit www.cybercrime.gov.in to file a complaint.
IRCTC has issued an advisory cautioning passengers against using unauthorized agents or unverified user IDs for booking tickets. The organization stated that several individuals are misusing personal or fake IDs to make fraudulent bookings—a practice that is strictly illegal.
IRCTC urged travelers to remain alert and rely only on its official platforms. Passengers are also encouraged to verify agent credentials directly from the IRCTC website before making any payment.
If you become a victim of online fraud, act quickly:
Report the incident immediately at www.cybercrime.gov.in.
Call the National Cyber Helpline at 1930 to block transactions or trace funds.
Inform your bank right away to prevent further unauthorized deductions.
File a complaint at your nearest cybercrime police station with all supporting evidence.
With festival travel in full swing, scammers are becoming increasingly creative in exploiting the ticket rush. Staying vigilant, double-checking URLs, and avoiding unverified agents are your best defenses. Remember: only the official IRCTC platform can guarantee a genuine train ticket.
