Man loses Rs 13 lakh in hotel booking scam: Here’s what happened and tips to avoid such frauds

Online scams are becoming increasingly common, and unfortunately, even the most cautious among us can fall victim. A 63-year-old man from Mithakhali recently lost Rs 13 lakh in a hotel booking scam while planning a trip to Ambaji, a popular pilgrim place. His experience highlights the clever tactics scammers use to manipulate unsuspecting individuals.

It all started in March when the man was looking for a hotel near the Ambaji temple. After Googling options, he came across a phone number for a hotel. When he called, a person on the other end of the line, claiming to be hotel staff, asked for an advance payment of Rs 10,000 to confirm the booking. Trusting the conversation, the man made the payment through a UPI transaction.

However, things took a turn when he decided to cancel the booking. The same person assured him that he could get a full refund if he paid a cancellation charge of Rs 9,999, reports TOI. To build trust, the scammer convinced the man to transfer just Rs 2, which was followed by a reversal of Rs 4 into his account. Seeing this small refund, the victim believed the scammer and continued to make payments.

The fraudster then asked for Rs 20,000. Eventually, the victim paid a total of Rs 1.79 lakh, but the promised refund never arrived. The scammer kept manipulating the man, convincing him to share his bank details and other sensitive information. The complainant said that he lost Rs 12.79 to the scammer.

This scam serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in online transactions and the need to stay vigilant.

Also read: Retired bank manager loses Rs 20 lakh to fake stock experts: Tips to avoid such scams

How to avoid such scams

• Verify the source: Always confirm the authenticity of the hotel or service provider before making any payments. Look for official websites or trusted booking platforms.
• Be cautious with payment requests: If someone asks for an advance payment or a cancellation fee, be suspicious. Legitimate businesses usually don’t ask for such payments upfront.
• Avoid sharing personal information: Never share your banking details or personal credentials over the phone or online unless you’re certain of the recipient’s identity.
• Report suspicious activity: If something feels off, report it to the authorities immediately to prevent further damage.