Fake TTD Portals Continue to Trap Tirumala Devotees Despite Police Crackdown

The fraudsters have been exploiting the faith of devotees by promising darshan, accommodation, Special Entry Darshan and Arjitha Seva tickets through fake online platforms. Whenever one fraudulent website is taken down, new ones emerge under different domain names, making constant surveillance essential.

The Tirupati district police, in coordination with the TTD vigilance and security wing, have been continuously monitoring suspicious websites, social media links and other online activities to detect such frauds and prevent devotees from falling victim.

During recent surveillance, police identified a fake website, ttddevasthanam.online, which falsely claimed that darshan and seva tickets for August, September and October were available. Officials said the website, which was misleading devotees and attempting to collect money through unauthorised bookings, was subsequently taken down.

Police said many fake websites are designed to closely resemble the official TTD portal, making it difficult for devotees to distinguish them from the genuine website. With the support of domain service providers, the district police have so far identified and removed 32 fake websites created in the names of various guest houses and accommodation facilities in Tirumala.

District superintendent of police L. Subba Rayudu said cyber criminals could continue launching new websites under different names even after existing ones had been removed. He said the police, along with the TTD vigilance wing, would continue identifying fake websites and take strict legal action against those involved in cheating devotees.

Rayudu advised pilgrims to book darshan, accommodation and seva tickets only through the official TTD website and mobile application. He urged devotees not to click on unknown links received through social media or messaging platforms, not to trust offers of cheaper rooms, instant darshan or special bookings, and to immediately report suspicious websites or instances of cyber fraud to the police or the TTD vigilance wing.