Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Crime Branch has issued a warning about a surge in hotel booking scams in popular destinations like Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack, particularly with the Rath Yatra festival approaching on June 27.
According to a release issued by Odisha Crime Branch, scammers are creating fake websites and social media pages that mimic legitimate hotel booking sites, offering attractive deals and demanding full payment via UPI, wallets, or bank transfers.
The Crime Branch has received 317 complaints regarding fake hotel booking websites through the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 and has taken necessary action against them. The team is actively monitoring online platforms to detect and remove fake sites.
“Victims often realise the scam only after reaching the destination. Several complaints have been received through the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930, along with alerts from government bodies, hotel owners, and the general public regarding fake websites offering fraudulent hotel deals. The Social Media Team of Crime Branch, Odisha, is actively and continuously monitoring online platforms to detect and take down such fake sites. Ensuring a safe and scam-free experience for all during this sacred festival remains a top priority”, read the release.
The Crime Branch has identified and taken down 11 fake websites, including:
- https://www.hoteldeepganga.com/
- https://www.mayfairheritagepuri.org/
- https://www.hoteltamilnadu.com/
- https://otdcpanthanivaspuri.in
- https://www.hotelspuri.net
- https://hotel-panthanivas-puri-otdc.hotelsgds.com
- https://www.hotelpathanivaspuri.site
- https://otdcpanthanivaspuri.co.in
- www.otdcpanthanivas.in
- https://panthanivaspuri.co.in
- http://thehanscocopalms.in
Odisha Crime Branch has advised citizens to follow @cybercopodisha on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for regular updates, safety tips, and alerts. Staying connected with our official handles ensures you’re always a step ahead of cyber scammers.
To avoid falling prey to these scams, tourists are advised to:
- Book hotels only through verified platforms like MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, Booking.com, etc. or official tourism websites.
- Cross-check the hotel’s contact number and address using Google Maps, and confirm the booking by calling directly.
- Avoid making full advance payments; pay partially if possible and use secure payment gateways instead of direct UPI or wallet transfers.
- Always ask for a proper booking confirmation via SMS or email with a valid booking ID or invoice.
- Be cautious of unrealistically low-priced deals, especially near Puri during Rath Yatra.
- Read recent reviews and ratings on trusted platforms like Google or TripAdvisor before booking.
- If you come across any fake hotel websites or suspicious listings, report them immediately to the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930.
