Scammers are increasingly using digital means to defraud individuals and take their money. A recent incident using phoney QR code payment stickers throughout the temple grounds asking tourists to scan codes and make online payments was reported by the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), which oversees the affairs of the two temples. The committee has filed a FIR and issued a warning to followers not to make donations using any such QR codes or to become a victim of such fraud while travelling.
Details about Beware, scammers are already placing fake QR codes for donations at the Badrinath-Kedarnath temple
Recently, the temple committee discovered some signs with QR codes that encouraged guests to scan and donate online. The trust, on the other hand, asserts that they never request contributions online and has requested an investigation into the placement of these boards at the temples.
In a statement, the head of the temple committee, Ajendra Ajay, claimed that the boards were not installed by the committee and were only discovered on the day both “dhams” opened. As soon as the officials became aware of the boards, they were swiftly removed.
“Our teams discovered the QR codes on the first day and took them out. After conducting an internal investigation, it was determined that BKTC was unrelated to the situation. In actuality, we don’t use Paytm for financial transactions, according to Ajendra Ajay, who was quoted by TOI.
In actuality, these QR codes were posted at five separate places, including the shrine’s main gate and VIP gate, where there were two each. It is still too early to discuss the potential quantity of the online transfer, the speaker added.
To determine who erected the boards with QR codes that requested online donations, the temple committee initiated an internal investigation. Following the investigation, the committee on Sunday lodged a complaint with the Kedarnath and Badrinath police authorities asking them to look into the situation and take appropriate action. The committee’s chairman, Ajendra Ajay, emphasised that the group has never solicited donations from followers via payment apps like Paytm and cautioned them against falling for such scams.
On April 25, the Kedarnath Dham doors were opened to pilgrims, and on April 27, the Badrinath temple doors were opened. The head of the temple committee expressed his worry about several boards that had been up without permission and urged worshippers to scan and make an online donation. He claimed that these boards could confuse worshippers who could believe they are making donations to the temples and harm the temples’ reputation as holy sanctuaries.
In the meanwhile, be wary of any QR code signs that request online donations if you intend to visit any holy sites. These can be ruses designed to deceive you into giving money to thieves. You can use the following advice to prevent falling for such con artists:
Verify the QR code’s origin. Do not scan anything that has not been approved by the temple committee or the trust.
Before approving the payment, check the specifics. Cancel the transaction if the recipient’s name or account number do not match the name of the temple or the trust.
Any questionable QR code signs should be reported to the police or the temple administration. Never divulge your financial or personal information to anyone claiming to be a representative of the temple or the trust.
