Cybercriminals Target Maha Kumbh Mela Attendees

The Maha Kumbh Mela in India is considered the largest religious gathering in the world, attracting a growing number of attendees with each celebration. As the congregation invites international delegations and piques human interest around the world, cybercriminals also take advantage of this opportunity to prey on those who want to participate in the pilgrimage.

Experts Warn of Fraudulent Stores

Experts at Kaspersky have spotted fraudulent stores where cybercriminals try to deceive users into making payments for orders that are never delivered, ultimately stealing their money. "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," says Jaydeep Singh, General Manager for India at Kaspersky. "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."

Protecting Yourself from Scams

While emotions can be running high, consumers should take time to verify the stores they are visiting and purchasing items from. A little bit of skepticism towards independent online stores would be beneficial to protect your identity and your money against clever cybercriminals. Kaspersky has provided the following tips to avoid falling victim to such scams:

• Verify website authenticity: Check URLs, domain names, and customer reviews before making purchases online.
• Be wary of unsolicited offers: Scammers often use pop-ups, ads, or phishing emails to direct users to fraudulent sites.
• Avoid sharing personal information: Only provide sensitive details on secure, verified platforms.
• Use comprehensive security solutions: Reliable cybersecurity software, like Kaspersky Premium, can block phishing sites and prevent malware infections.

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Published On Jan 30, 2025 at 10:30 AM IST

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