Scammers target Maha Kumbh Mela devotees with fake online stores: All the details

Maha Kumbh Mela scam

The Maha Kumbh Mela, which is the biggest religious gathering in the world, is currently underway. Thousands of devotees have gathered at Prayagraj to take the holy dip at the river Ganga. As the event attracts global attention, cybercriminals are using this opportunity to target innocent people online with fake stores.

Kaspersky, a cybersecurity company, has found several fake shops that are tricking people into paying for items like holy water from the Ganges River, prayer beads made from Rudraksh, and sacred ashes – but the orders are never delivered.

Jaydeep Singh, the General Manager for India at Kaspersky, explains that since this year’s Maha Kumbh is seen as especially significant, many people want to buy keepsakes. Unfortunately, scammers are ready to exploit this. He urges people to be extra careful when shopping online, especially from unknown websites.

“The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela is considered especially auspicious, as it coincides with a rare alignment of constellations, making it the most significant in the last 144 years. It is no surprise that devotees from around the world would like to participate and to buy keepsakes of it. At the same time, cybercriminals are up-to-date with the main events and trends around the world, and they sure know how to lure consumers and exploit their interest and devotion towards this grand religious gathering,” Jaydeep Singh, General Manager for India at Kaspersky, said.

To safeguard users from falling for these scams, Kaspersky has shared some tips. First, always check if a website is trustworthy by looking at the web address and reading customer reviews. Be cautious of pop-ups or emails offering deals that seem too good to be true. Never share personal details unless you’re sure the website is safe, and using good security software like Kaspersky Premium can help protect you from fake websites and viruses.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid scams and enjoy the Maha Kumbh Mela experience safely.