What is Train Ticket Scam?
In this train ticket scam, the fraudsters specifically target people whose tickets are waiting or who have to travel immediately. They contact through phone, SMS or WhatsApp to get confirmed tickets. In some cases, the fraudsters send fake tickets that look absolutely real, but the QR code and technical parameters are messed up. This fraud is done in the name of IRCTC, while IRCTC never calls or messages for any such offer.
Railways and IRCTC never give such offers.
The most important thing is that Indian Railways or IRCTC never offer to confirm a waiting ticket by taking money through phone, message or social media. If a person claims by calling or messaging that he can get you a confirmed ticket by taking extra money, then understand that he is a cheat. The official ticket booking process of the Railways is completely transparent and there is no role of any middleman in it. So don't believe in such rumours.
What to pay attention to? - - Tips to stay safe
If you want to avoid confirmed ticket scams, always keep these things in mind:
Don't trust an unknown number. Ignore offers of confirmed tickets from any unknown number.
Do not send money to: Do not send money to any unknown person through UPI, Google Pay, PhonePe or any other medium.
Don't click on the link: If a link comes up, do not click on it at all, it can be a phishing attack.
Don't share personal information: Do not share your Aadhaar number, OTP, or bank details with anyone.
Don't rely on WhatsApp screenshots: If someone sends a screenshot of the ticket being confirmed, do not consider it to be true - It can be edited.
Bookings can be done on the IRCTC website. Tickets can be booked only through IRCTC website (irctc.co.in) or app.
How to identify a fake ticket? - - Know special tricks
Some fraudsters send fake tickets which look like real, but it is not difficult to identify them. Always check the QR code. The QR code of a genuine ticket shows the correct information when scanned, while the QR code on a fake ticket is missing or does not work. Also, check the PNR number of the ticket on the IRCTC or the official website of the Railways. If the PNR number does not appear in the system, the ticket is fake.
What is the role of software like 'BrahMos', 'Tesla'?
Recently, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has busted a big gang, which hijacks tickets from IRCTC using illegal software like 'BrahMos', 'Tesla', 'Avengers', 'Doctor Doom'. These software book tickets on IRCTC in just 10-15 seconds as soon as the ticket opens at 8 am, while a normal passenger takes minutes. That's why train tickets are out of hand. A sleeper class ticket of ₹800 is sold for ₹2000 and a third AC ticket of ₹2300 for up to ₹4000, especially during festivals.
What steps has the government taken?
The Railways has taken several important steps to deal with this ticketing scam. The RPF has arrested more than 50 people, including developers, "super sellers" and touts. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) deactivated 2.5 crore fake user IDs. In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has also made booking and supply of tickets without authorization a social crime and punishable. The government has made Aadhaar verification mandatory for ticket bookings, making it difficult to use fake IDs.
Conclusion
In the rush for confirmed train tickets, we often lose our vigilance, and take advantage of it. Always remember that IRCTC and Indian Railways never provide the facility of booking tickets through phone or message. Always book tickets from an official source and do not give money or personal information to any unknown person. If you ever get a suspicious call or message, ignore it and immediately report it to the 1930 Cyber Helpline. Awareness is your biggest security. timesbull.com will continue to provide you with similar important information. If you have any queries, let us know in the comments.
What to do in case of fraud? (Emergency response plan).
If you accidentally become a victim of a train ticket scam, take these steps immediately without losing time:
1930 - Call the Cyber Helpline: It is the official cyber helpline of the Government of India. The sooner you call, the better your chances of getting your money back.
Register a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: Register a complaint online at cybercrime.gov.in.
Inform the bank immediately. Call your bank and block the transaction.
Call Railway Helpline 139 This is the official complaint helpline of the Railways.