Authorities in Gujarat have dismantled a criminal network that used Artificial Intelligence to create 126 fake websites, defrauding nearly 22,000 people. The ring targeted devotees seeking bookings for religious sites and hotels across 11 states. This case underscores the rising threat of AI-driven cybercrime and the increasing risks associated with online digital transactions.
The Gujarat Cyber Center of Excellence has dismantled a large-scale fraud network that allegedly used Artificial Intelligence to create 126 fake websites. These sites were designed to mimic official portals for prominent religious sites, hotels, and ashrams, specifically targeting devotees seeking online bookings. Authorities have arrested two individuals, Vicky Gupta, a Delhi-based B.Tech engineer identified as the mastermind, and Shailesh Saini from Rajasthan, for their alleged involvement in the operation.
The scam operated for approximately eight months across 11 states, successfully defrauding around 21,985 individuals. The perpetrators reportedly used AI tools to generate convincing website content and imagery, making the fake portals appear indistinguishable from legitimate booking platforms. Victims were lured into paying advance fees for services such as room bookings, puja ceremonies, and VIP darshan passes. Upon arriving at their destinations, travelers discovered their bookings were non-existent, leading to a surge in consumer complaints.
The fraud spanned multiple high-profile religious locations, including sites in Gujarat such as Somnath, Dwarka, and Ambaji, as well as major national destinations like Tirupati, Shirdi, and Haridwar. Investigators are currently tracing the flow of illicit funds and attempting to identify other accomplices who may have helped develop and maintain the fake digital infrastructure.
This incident highlights a growing concern regarding the misuse of AI technologies in cybercrime. As AI tools become more accessible, criminal syndicates are increasingly leveraging them to bypass traditional security measures and create deceptive platforms at a low cost and high speed. For individual users and businesses alike, this creates a heightened risk of financial loss, data theft, and loss of institutional trust.
The case emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity protocols and stricter verification mechanisms for online service platforms. As digital platforms become the primary gateway for essential services and tourism, the sophistication of these scams necessitates a more cautious approach to online bookings. The investigation remains active, with authorities focusing on tracing domain purchasers and the broader network of individuals involved in the interstate operation.