Fraudsters Impersonate TTD EO On Facebook, Sending Shockwaves
A fraudulent Facebook account in the name of TTD executive officer (EO) J. Syamala Rao solicited money from many devotees on the pretext of issuing darshan tickets and making available temple services: Reports
TIRUPATI: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is increasingly becoming the target of fraudsters on social media, with repeated instances of its top officials being impersonated to spread misinformation.
In the latest case, a fraudulent Facebook account in the name of TTD executive officer (EO) J. Syamala Rao solicited money from many devotees on the pretext of issuing darshan tickets and making available temple services.
This has alarmed and prompted the devasthanam to launch a probe and issue a public warning over the safety of devotees being targeted online.
This incident adds to a series of social media-related issues that have troubled TTD in recent months. In June, TTD’s Vigilance department cautioned public about unauthorised platforms offering fake arjitha seva and break darshan tickets.
Earlier in January, the devasthanam filed complaints against several YouTube channels for spreading baseless rumours about spiritual visits and temple policies.
TTD officials have asked devotees not to fall prey to such deceptive messages and trust only the information shared on the official website www.tirumala.org and verified social media handles.
The temple body has requested devotees to report any suspicious messages or online activity to the TTD Vigilance department at 98668 98630 or the toll-free number 1800 425 4141.
