Watch Out! Fake IRCTC Sites Are Scamming Rail Ticket Buyers
Here’s something that’ll make your blood boil—cybercriminals are running fake IRCTC websites to cheat innocent train passengers. And get this, the CBI’s already nabbed a bunch of these fraudsters. Thousands of travelers? Duped. Just like that. Now, booking train tickets online is something millions do every day, which is why this scam hits so hard. Let me break it down for you—how these scams work, what the CBI’s doing about it, and most importantly, how you can stay safe.
Fake IRCTC Sites Are Everywhere Now
These scammers are good. Like, really good. They’ve built websites that look almost identical to the real IRCTC—same layout, same logos, even payment pages that seem legit. The URLs? Sneaky stuff like “irctc-booking.com” or “irctc-discounts.in”. You’d think it’s the real deal until it’s too late. Over 5,000 people lost money to these fakes in just six months. Crazy, right?
But here’s the scary part—they don’t just stop at copying the website. They’ve got fake customer care numbers, fake confirmation emails… the whole package. You won’t suspect a thing until your ticket never shows up.
Here’s How They Pull It Off
The scam’s simple but effective:
- You Google “IRCTC booking” and click on some sponsored ad or shady link.
- You enter your journey details, pay up, and get a fake PNR confirmation.
- Poof! No ticket, and your money’s gone.
Take Ramesh from Delhi—poor guy paid ₹2,500 for a Tatkal ticket. The PNR didn’t work, and when he called their “customer care”? Number didn’t exist. Classic.
CBI’s Finally Cracking Down
Good news—the CBI’s arrested 12 people behind this racket. They’ve seized servers, tracked domains, the whole shebang. Turns out these guys were running multiple fake sites, stealing crores. Now they’re facing serious charges under the IT Act and IPC—think big fines and jail time.
A CBI officer put it best: “People need to wake up and double-check where they’re booking tickets. We’re working with IRCTC to shut these frauds down.” About time.
Spotting a Fake IRCTC Site—Here’s What to Look For
Red flags you can’t ignore:
- Check that URL! The real one is https://www.irctc.co.in—nothing else.
- No padlock icon? Run. Legit payment pages always have HTTPS.
- Bad English? Fake sites often mess up spelling or grammar.
Booking Tickets Safely—Do This
Don’t become a statistic:
- Only use IRCTC’s official website or app. No shortcuts.
- Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA). Takes two minutes.
- Avoid third-party sellers unless IRCTC officially approves them.
Oops, Fell for a Scam? Do This NOW
Act fast:
- Report it at cybercrime.gov.in or call IRCTC’s helpline (139).
- Call your bank—dispute that transaction ASAP.
- File a police complaint. Screenshots are your evidence.
Other IRCTC Booking Headaches (And Fixes)
Even legit bookings can be frustrating—Tatkal tickets failing, app crashing. Try this:
- Book late at night when the site’s less crowded.
- Clear your browser cache before trying.
- If the website’s glitching, switch to the “IRCTC Rail Connect” app.
Bottom Line
These fake sites are a wake-up call—online booking isn’t risk-free. While the CBI’s doing their part, you need to stay sharp. Always check URLs, avoid shady links, and tell your friends about this. Share this article—might save someone a ton of money and hassle.
FAQs: Your Fake IRCTC Questions Answered
Q: How do I know if an IRCTC site’s real?
A: Two things—URL must be https://www.irctc.co.in, and look for the padlock icon.
Q: Paid on a fake site by mistake. Now what?
A: Contact your bank immediately and report it to IRCTC’s cyber cell.
Q: Are apps like MakeMyTrip safe for booking?
A: Only if they’re IRCTC-authorized. When in doubt, book directly.
Source: News18 Hindi – Nation