Kaspersky security researchers discovered cybercriminals are taking advantage of the excitement surrounding the greatest religious gathering in the world when lakhs of devotees attend the Mahakumbh 2025 Mela. Fraudulent internet retailers trying to con followers by selling counterfeit holy goods and robbing them of their money.
Fake Stores Selling Maha Kumbh Memorabilia
Researchers from Kaspersky discovered fraudulent websites selling products with Mahakumbh themes, including Himalayan Rudraksha beads, sacred ashes, and bottled Ganges holy water. These dishonest websites take money but never deliver the goods that were promised, leaving customers with nothing.
Jaydeep Singh, General Manager for India at Kaspersky, says, “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 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.”
Rising Threats During High-Interest Events
Major world events are frequently used by cybercriminals to start frauds. The Mahakumbh Mela, which attracts a number of pilgrims and foreign delegations, has turned into a profitable target for scammers running phony internet shops.
“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,” Singh added.
How to Stay Safe from Mahakumbh Online Scams
The following actions have been suggested to assist customers in avoiding becoming victims of these scams:
Verify the legitimacy of websites: Prior to making any transactions online, always look up domain names, URLs, and user reviews.
Avoid accepting unwanted offers: Steer clear of phishing emails, pop-ups, and advertisements that lure people to unidentified websites.
Refrain from disclosing private information: Only divulge private information on safe, vetted networks.
Make use of all-encompassing security solutions: To stop malware infestations and block phishing websites, use trustworthy cybersecurity software.
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