In an age where everything from travel to payments happens online, cybercriminals are finding new ways to dupe unsuspecting travelers, especially through fake hotel bookings and tour packages. Over the past few months, there has been a sharp increase in fraud cases linked to online hotel booking scams—especially during high-travel periods like the Char Dham Yatra.
These scams, often disguised with flashy discounts and professional-looking websites, can drain your bank account before you even start your journey.
Let’s dive into how these scams work, why they’re so dangerous, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself.
The scam usually begins with an unbelievable offer—luxury hotels at heavily discounted prices or all-inclusive tour packages that seem too good to be true. These offers are promoted via:
Fake websites
Spam emails
WhatsApp forwards
Sponsored social media ads
Once you click, you’re directed to a fraudulent booking portal or fake travel agency. These platforms collect your personal information, credit card details, OTPs, or direct you to make advance payments. Once payment is done, the scammers vanish, and the customer discovers too late that there was no hotel booking at all.
Here are some of the tactics commonly used by fraudsters:
Cybercriminals design fake hotel or travel websites that look almost identical to real ones. These sites offer options to book hotels, cabs, or even helicopter services—particularly popular during pilgrimages like the Char Dham Yatra.
Scammers pose as agents from fake travel companies. They collect payments via UPI, bank transfers, or wallet apps in the name of travel bookings. Victims only realize they’ve been scammed when they reach the location and find no such booking exists.
Many frauds originate through paid ads on Google, Facebook, and Instagram. These platforms may feature fake pages promoting travel deals, often with positive reviews and ratings to gain your trust.
Messages sent via SMS, WhatsApp, or email may contain malicious links pretending to offer travel discounts. Clicking these links can expose your data or infect your device with malware.
In a recent operation, Odisha’s CID arrested two individuals from Rajasthan for creating a fake hotel booking website targeting tourists visiting Puri. The culprits promised bookings in a non-existent hotel and directed payments to fraudulent bank accounts. This incident highlights how far scammers go to appear legitimate and deceive travelers.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has issued a public advisory warning travelers—especially pilgrims and domestic tourists—about rising online booking scams.
They’ve specifically warned against:
Fake websites
Deceptive Facebook pages
Search engine ads that look authentic
Authorities have advised citizens to remain cautious and verify all travel-related bookings through official sources.
✅ Verify the Website:
Before making any payment, check the authenticity of the website. Look for HTTPS encryption, user reviews, and whether it's listed on trusted platforms like MakeMyTrip, Yatra, or Booking.com.
✅ Don’t Trust Unsolicited Deals:
Avoid clicking on promotional offers received through random messages or emails, especially if they promise “too good to be true” discounts.
✅ Use Official Portals:
Always book through government-authorized websites or well-known and verified travel agencies.
✅ Double-Check Agent Credentials:
If dealing with a travel agent, ask for their registration details, GST number, and official website or address.
✅ Report Fraud Immediately:
If you encounter or fall victim to such scams, report it immediately:
National Cybercrime Reporting Portal: www.cybercrime.gov.in
Cyber Helpline Number: 1930
Hotel booking scams are evolving quickly, targeting even the most cautious users with highly convincing fake websites and promotions. As travel continues to boom post-pandemic, it’s crucial to stay alert, book only through trusted sources, and avoid being tempted by offers that seem unreal.
Always remember: when it comes to online bookings, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
