Fake IRCTC messages and links
Fake IRCTC texts about blocked accounts, ticket refunds, tatkal offers and free railway passes. See the lines and check in the real app.
IRCTC is the Indian Railways service for booking train tickets, meals and tourism packages online, through its website and Rail Connect app. Because many people use it, scammers pretend to be IRCTC in SMS, WhatsApp and email messages. This page lists the lies they usually tell and how to check before you act.
Lines used in fake IRCTC messages
- Your IRCTC account will be blocked, update your PAN and Aadhaar here
- Refund for your cancelled ticket is pending, enter your card details
- Confirmed tatkal ticket available, pay in advance to our agent
- Download the IRCTC tourism app to claim your free railway pass
How to verify it yourself
Book and manage tickets only on the official IRCTC website or the IRCTC Rail Connect app, which you install or type yourself. My Transactions shows booking and refund status there. Refunds for cancelled tickets go back to the original payment method, with no card details or collect request needed. Waiting-list tickets cannot be bought as confirmed from an agent over chat. Check the web address for spelling before logging in.
Quick checklist
- Do not tap links or call numbers inside the message.
- Open the official app, or type the official website yourself, and look for the same notice.
- Never share an OTP, PIN, CVV or password with anyone, including "staff".
- If money moved, call 1930 and your bank at once.
How Safeavio helps
Paste the message or the link into Safeavio Sentinel (or share it to the app) and it shows a plain verdict with the reasons: urgency, a money demand, a lookalike address or an OTP request. It checks the text you give it and cannot promise to catch every scam.
Check it before you tap or pay
Safeavio Sentinel is a made-in-India Android app: paste a message or link, or scan a QR code, and get a plain verdict with the reasons. It helps you spot a scam; it does not promise to stop every one.
Download for AndroidWhat the app does
Google Play listing: coming soon. Today the signed APK is on safeavio.com/download. Android 7.0 or later.
Questions
How can I tell if a IRCTC message is real?
Do not judge by the sender name or the logo; both can be copied. Open the official IRCTC app or type its website yourself and look for the same notice. IRCTC will not ask for your OTP, PIN or password in a message.
What should I do if I tapped a link in a fake IRCTC message?
Close the page without typing anything. If you entered details, change the password at once from the official app, call your bank or provider using the number on your card or bill, and report at cybercrime.gov.in. If money moved, call 1930.
Related scam guides
Fake IRCTC calls and apps · All brands
Other government services
IRCTC is a trademark of its owner. This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by IRCTC; it only describes how scammers pretend to be it.