HOTEL BOOKING AT PURI: BEWARE OF FAKE WEBSITES USED BY CYBERCRIMINALS

Introduction

In order to defraud innocent tourists trying to book hotel online for Puri, a new generation of fraudsters is developing fake websites that seem like authentic hotel and resort portals for Puri. Investigation into Puri hotel booking fraud is sought by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration. Some persons were discovered to have initiated fraudulent activities using a lookalike website that tricked people under the guise of Bhakta Niwas. Cybercriminals use fake and lookalike hotel booking platforms to lure tourists. Hackers create websites that imitate authentic hotel and resort portals. This blog explores the contemporary issues of online hotel booking for Puri visit and possible solution to safeguard future tourists from hotel booking fraud.

Shreya Mitra, Content Creator, Was Scammed for Rs. 93600 While Trying to Book Hotel for Puri Through Fake Google Listing

When content writer Shreya Mitra was making travel plans to Puri, she looked for hotels online. Believing that the google listing for Mayfair Heritage Puri was genuine, she clicked on the first result. She located the phone number and called to discuss making her reservation. persuading her to make the required amount to finish the reservation procedure. By giving her images and information on the room, the fraudsters persuaded her to deposit the required amount and finish the booking procedure. When she asked for an email confirmation, they claimed an issue with the system, even though they had already sent her a fake invoice.

Authorized Website of The Puri Temple

The crime branch of the police was alerted by chief temple administrator SJTA Arabinda Kumar Padhee to the fact that certain scammers have set up lookalike websites to defraud devotees in the guise of Bhakta Niwas reservations at Puri. According to official sources, fake bank accounts have also been set up in a nationalized bank for financial activities including reservations for lodging. According to temple administrators, reservations should only be made via www.shreejagannath.in, the temple's official website.

Police Initiative Against Fake Websites at Puri

In just six months, almost 100 Puri tourists were victims of online hotel scam. Reports of cyber fraud in Puri hotel reservations, Police dept. has already issued Helpline Number. Puri Superintendent of Police Kanwar Bishal Singh stated that Puri police have blocked around 22 fraudulent websites, an estimated amount of Rs 10 lakhs rerecovered while freezing such account, and returned approximately Rs. 1 lakh to the owners.

Conclusion

There have been more than 100 scams in six months scammed potential tourists, mostly from West Bengal. Cyber criminals are offering huge discounts, luring victims with attractive packages on hotel booking so that they transfer the money soon.

Suggestions

From the above information it can be suggested that people should refrain from clicking on any unauthorized, suspicious links and lookalike websites.  It is further suggested that travellers should check the genuineness of the hotels' website on Google Maps and call the numbers provided on their official website. Travelers should use care as during holidays, weekend and festivals booking continues to grow and that time scammers lure visitors to pay and book in hurry. Scammers even send fake invoice and other documents in disguise of branded hotel. It is necessary to ask for email confirmation while booking a hotel and paying a hefty amount. Travellers should also call the landline numbers of the hotel and check authentic information before processing any payment online.