Fake tent camps, cloned hotel websites and "VIP snan passes": how Kumbh booking scams work and a simple checklist to verify any Haridwar stay before you pay.
Every big Kumbh attracts fraudsters. They exploit demand for rooms and camps near the ghats. Pilgrims have lost money to fake camp websites, cloned hotel pages and "agents" who disappear after taking an advance. A few checks protect you.
Common scams
- Fake camp websites with stock photos, a WhatsApp number and "only 2 cottages left".
- Cloned hotel pages: copies of a real hotel's site or listing with different payment details.
- "VIP snan passes" or "special darshan" offers for Amrit Snan days. Be extremely wary of anyone selling privileged access to the ghats.
- Bait-and-switch: you pay for a riverside cottage and arrive to find a basic tent far from the ghats.
- Fake mandatory registration: messages asking for a fee to "register" for the Kumbh. Always check official sources. As of October 2026, no mandatory paid registration for pilgrims had been announced.
Verification checklist
- Company details: a registered business name, physical address and GST number. Look them up.
- Exact location: a Google Maps pin and the mela sector. Ask how far it is from Har Ki Pauri on foot.
- Real photos: recent photos or a video call of the actual cottage or room.
- Written confirmation: property name, dates, room type, inclusions, cancellation and refund terms.
- Payment: pay to a business account in the company's name, never a personal UPI ID that doesn't match.
- Reviews: look for reviews from previous melas or seasons, not just recent five-star posts.
- Price sense: a deal far below everyone else's for a snan week is a red flag.
- Pressure tactics: "pay in 30 minutes or lose it" is a classic scam line.
If something goes wrong
- Keep screenshots of every chat, page and payment.
- Report cyber fraud on the national helpline 1930 or at cybercrime.gov.in.
- Inform your bank immediately to try to stop the transfer.
How we work
We share the property name, location and photos before you pay, issue a written confirmation, and accept payment only in our company's name. Browse our Haridwar accommodation, or call us to verify any offer you have received.
By KMII Travel Desk · Updated 12 Oct 2026
