Cruise Booking Scam: Cyber Crooks Dupe Man of Rs 2.42 Lakh
A press release issued by cybercrimes DCP V. Arvind Babu, said the ordeal began on December 26, 2025, when the victim searched for cruise bookings on Google and landed on a fraudulent website.
Hyderabad:Cyber crooks posing as representatives of a luxury cruise line duped a man of ₹2.42 lakh under the pretext of booking a holiday package to Lakshadweep and Mumbai.
A press release issued by cybercrimes DCP V. Arvind Babu, said the ordeal began on December 26, 2025, when the victim searched for cruise bookings on Google and landed on a fraudulent website. Deceived by its authentic appearance, he attempted to book a journey for four people, initially paying an advance of ₹23,680.
The fraudsters, posing as executives of a cruise line on WhatsApp, exploited the victim by citing “technical glitches” during transactions. They induced him to make multiple payments in instalments, claiming additional charges for Lakshadweep permit letters and travel for two children.
“The accused repeatedly cited payment failures and promised that all extra amounts would be refunded during checkout,” a cybercrime official said. However, the fraudsters eventually cancelled the booking without valid reason and demanded a further ₹48,500 as “cancellation charges” to process his refund..
