IRCTC Uncovers Major Ticket Booking Scam Using Bots and Fake IDs
The IRCTC has revealed a major ticket booking scam where bots and fake user IDs were used to secure train tickets within seconds of availability. This fraudulent activity has caused significant frustration among travelers, especially during busy seasons. Despite a two-month booking window, tickets for certain trains often sell out in minutes. In response, IRCTC has blocked millions of fraudulent accounts and implemented an anti-bot application to ensure fair access for genuine users. Discover the details of this extensive cyber fraud and the measures taken to combat it.
Jun 4, 2025, 15:49 IST
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IRCTC Exposes Ticket Booking Fraud
Are you frustrated by how quickly tickets for certain trains vanish the moment bookings open, often 60 days in advance? The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has identified the culprits behind this issue. In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, IRCTC has revealed a large-scale racket exploiting its ticket booking system by utilizing fake user IDs and bots to secure tickets within seconds of the booking window opening. This scam has particularly caused distress for travelers during the festive season. Despite a two-month booking window, passengers frequently report that tickets for specific trains sell out in mere minutes, often just after the booking window opens. Many find themselves stuck on long waiting lists, with tickets unavailable as soon as they log in.
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In response to the ongoing complaints, IRCTC initiated an investigation and uncovered a cyber fraud network that was bypassing standard booking protocols using fake IDs and scripts. The scale of the fraud was staggering. Over the past five months, IRCTC identified 290,000 PNRs created just five minutes before the official opening of regular and tatkal booking windows. The railway authorities have blocked 25 million fraudulent user IDs that were being used for unauthorized bookings ahead of time. These fake accounts were utilized to generate confirmed tickets, which were then sold at inflated prices to desperate travelers through unofficial online platforms.
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The fraud was executed using automated tools and bots, allowing the perpetrators to outpace regular users and seize ticket inventory meant for genuine travelers. Railway officials have now deployed an anti-bot application to combat this form of cyber fraud. This application aids in detecting and blocking automated ticket bookings, ensuring that the system remains fair and accessible to real users.
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