Bhubaneswar, July 18 :The Cyber Crime Unit of the CID, Crime Branch, Odisha has blocked 121 fake hotel websites,33 fraudulent hotel booking webpages, and19 misleading online contents as part of a special drive to prevent cyber fraud during Rath Yatra 2026.

The operation, carried out between June 1 and July 18, targeted online scams involving hotel bookings, transport services and other travel-related facilities for devotees visiting Puri. The unit also blocked 893 mobile numbers and 793 IMEI numberslinked to fake customer care, e-commerce and hotel booking frauds.

The Crime Branch has advised pilgrims to use only official websites and verified apps for bookings, avoid suspicious links and offers, and never share OTPs, UPI PINs or banking details. Victims of cyber fraud have been urged to report incidents by calling the National Cyber Helpline 1930, visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in, or contacting the nearest police station.