Fact Check: Received An SMS Claiming 'Free VIP Entry Into Ayodhya Ram Mandir'?

As the Pran Pratishtha ceremony for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya draws closer, an alarming WhatsApp scam has emerged, posing a potential threat to unsuspecting individuals. Cybercriminals are exploiting the excitement surrounding the event by targeting unsuspecting devotees with a deceptive offer of free VIP entry.

Reports indicate that users on WhatsApp are receiving messages claiming to provide a complimentary VIP pass for the Ram Mandir inauguration. However, it is crucial to recognize that these offers are fraudulent, and individuals should not trust them.

The misleading messages, circulating among people, prompt users to download an APK file labeled as 'Ram Janmabhoomi Grihsampark Abhiyan.APK' to secure their supposed VIP access. The message congratulates recipients, stating, "You are getting VIP access at Ram Mandir's inauguration on January 22; download the VIP Pass by installing the application." The messages conclude with the phrase "Jai Shri Ram."

Security experts have expressed concern that this file may contain spyware or malware, posing a significant risk of data theft to those who fall victim to the scam. It is strongly advised not to download or open any link provided in the message.

Crucially, legitimate VIP invites for the Ram Mandir inauguration are not issued through the download of applications. Entry to the event is restricted to individuals with valid invitations or those engaged in official government duties. The government and the Ram Mandir Trust do not distribute VIP passes in exchange for downloading apps.