VHP Raises Alarm About Fake Messages On Social Media Soliciting Donations In Guise Of Contribution For Ram Mandir

As the eagerly awaited consecration ceremony for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya approaches, a disconcerting scheme to defraud the faithful in the temple's name has been exposed as reported by NDTV.

Recently, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has raised an alarm about cybercriminals circulating social media messages, soliciting donations in the guise of temple contributions.

These messages contain QR codes, and unsuspecting individuals who scan and pay, end up transferring money to the fraudsters.

VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal has reported the issue to the Home Ministry and police authorities in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

He emphasised that the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the trust overseeing the temple's construction, has not authorised anyone to collect funds.

In a video statement, Bansal conveyed that they recently discovered attempts to illegitimately collect funds in the temple's name. He stressed that the trust has not given authorisation for any fundraising activities.

He emphasised that the joyous occasion of the temple consecration is not an opportunity for donations, and people should exercise caution.

The matter came to light after social media messages and phone calls urged individuals to contribute to the temple. VHP workers received information from someone who received such a call.

A VHP worker, in turn, contacted the number, revealing the fraudulent tactics employed by the scammers.

The VHP has shared an audio clip of the recorded phone call, cautioning the public about the scam.

In the call, the VHP worker pretends to be a potential donor, and the alleged fraudster, upon learning about the donation intent, requests a WhatsApp number to send a QR code.