HIGHLIGHTS

A 63-year-old man recently lost Rs 13 lakh in a hotel booking scam.

The incident unfolded in March as he searched for a hotel near the Ambaji temple.

During his search, he found a phone number for accommodation options online.

Online frauds continue to proliferate, ensnaring even the most vigilant individuals in their traps. A recent case involves a 63-year-old gentleman hailing from Mithakhali, who fell prey to a hotel booking scam while planning a pilgrimage to Ambaji, a renowned spiritual destination. His ordeal serves as a stark illustration of the devious methods employed by scammers aiming to exploit the unwary.

The troubling scenario began in March when the man was actively seeking lodging near the Ambaji temple. While browsing online for hotel options, he stumbled upon a contact number linked to a hotel. Eager to secure a reservation, he reached out. On the other end of the line, an individual claiming to be a hotel representative requested a preliminary payment of Rs 10,000 to solidify the booking. Trusting the authenticity of the interaction, the elderly man proceeded to make the transfer via a UPI transaction.

However, the situation took a dire turn when he later opted to cancel the booking. The individual who initially contacted him assured the man that a full refund was attainable, albeit at the cost of a cancellation charge amounting to Rs 9,999. To instill confidence further, the scammer suggested he transfer a mere Rs 2, which the man did. Shortly thereafter, he received a small reversal of Rs 4 into his account, which further misled him into believing the scammer was legitimate.

Slowly but surely, the fraudster escalated his requests, eventually asking for a larger sum of Rs 20,000. In total, the unsuspecting victim ended up transferring an astonishing Rs 1.79 lakh; however, the anticipated refund never materialized. The scammer continues to manipulate the situation persistently, urging the victim to divulge sensitive banking details and personal information. The man ultimately reported a staggering loss of Rs 12.79 lakh to this unscrupulous scammer.

This daunting incident serves as a vital reminder regarding the potential perils associated with online transactions, underscoring the necessity to remain alert and cautious while conducting any financial activities over the internet.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to equip oneself with knowledge on how to identify and avoid such scams. Consider reading articles such as Retired bank manager loses Rs 20 lakh to fake stock experts: Tips to avoid such scams, which provides additional insights into how to safeguard your interests against fraudulent activities.

How to avoid such scams

• Verify the source: Always ascertain the credibility of the hotel or service provider before proceeding with any payments. Rely on official websites or trustworthy booking platforms to mitigate risks.
• Be cautious with payment requests: If you receive any requests for advance payments or cancellation fees, approach them with suspicion. Reputable businesses typically refrain from asking for such payments upfront.
• Avoid sharing personal information: Never divulge your banking details or personal credentials over the phone or the internet unless you are absolutely certain of the other party’s identity.
• Report suspicious activity: If you sense something is amiss, report it to the relevant authorities without delay to help prevent potential harm to others.