3 hrs ago
Fake websites target Golden Temple devotees in room booking scam
Some people are pretending to run websites that book rooms near the Golden Temple.
They allegedly ask visitors to pay money using fake receipts and QR codes.
The fake receipts may carry the logo of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
The scammers may charge much more than the real room prices.
The accommodation manager said the real prices at Saragarhi Niwas are Rs 1,000 or Rs 1,600, depending on the room.
The management complained to police on May 7, 2025.
It said the suspected scam continued afterward.
Visitors are being told to use only www.sgpcsarai.com.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and it is not known how many people lost money.
Fraudsters allegedly created fake booking websites and accounts targeting Golden Temple devotees.
Fake receipts bearing the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee logo and QR codes were reportedly used for payments.
Actual Saragarhi Niwas room tariffs were listed as Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,600, while fraudsters allegedly charged Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,500.
The accommodation management complained to the Amritsar police commissioner on May 7, 2025, but the alleged fraud reportedly continued.
Devotees were urged to book only through the official website, www.sgpcsarai.com, and remain cautious.
- Who
- Cyber fraudsters allegedly targeted devotees seeking accommodation, according to Gurpreet Singh, manager of the shrine’s accommodation facilities.
- What
- Fake websites, accounts, receipts and QR codes were allegedly used to collect inflated room-booking payments.
- Where
- At inns near the Golden Temple in Amritsar, including Saragarhi Niwas, Mata Ganga Ji Niwas and Mata Bhago Ji Niwas.
- When
- The accommodation management filed a written complaint on May 7, 2025; the alleged fraud was said to continue afterward.
- Why
- The alleged fraudsters were reportedly trying to collect payments from devotees booking accommodation.
Key facts
- Reported target
- Devotees seeking rooms at inns near the Golden Temple
- Actual Saragarhi Niwas tariffs
- Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,600, depending on the room
- Alleged fraudulent charges
- Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,500
- Police complaint
- Submitted to the Amritsar police commissioner on May 7, 2025
- Official booking website
- www.sgpcsarai.com
- Accommodation administrator
- Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee
- Verification status
- The allegations have not been independently verified
Quotes
Gurpreet Singh
Manager of the Golden Temple’s accommodation facilities
“The devotees are being urged to remain cautious and not fall into the trap of these cyber fraudsters.”
thestatesman.com
“They are creating new websites every day and misleading devotees.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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