Now Reading: AI fake websites of 126 temples dupe 22,000 devotees
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AI fake websites of 126 temples dupe 22,000 devotees
Gujarat police have busted an interstate gang that used AI to create 126 fake websites of religious sites, hotels and ashrams across 11 states, cheating around 22,000 people, the Gujarat Cyber Center…
The Story in Brief
Gujarat police have busted an interstate gang that used AI to create 126 fake websites of religious sites, hotels and ashrams across 11 states, cheating around 22,000 people, the Gujarat Cyber Center of Excellence said. The operators offered online bookings for rooms, puja and VIP darshan, collecting advance payments. Victims realised the fraud only upon reaching the destination.
Two accused have been arrested: Vicky Gupta, a B Tech engineer from Delhi alleged to be the mastermind, and Shailesh Saini from Rajasthan. Investigators are tracing 70-plus complaints, domain purchases and funds. Around 40 fake portals targeted Gujarat sites alone, including Somnath, Dwarka and Akshardham.
The Indian Opinion
Another day, another cyber fraud using AI to cheat pilgrims. The usual narrative will blame 'tech-savvy criminals' and call for stricter laws. Fair enough, but the simpler question is why so many official temple websites remain a mess, forcing devotees to trust random search results. A reliable, government-backed booking portal for all major religious sites would kill this business overnight. Will any state take that up, or just keep issuing advisories?
Source: indiatoday.in
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
