Gachibowli Police Bust Holiday Membership Fraud, Arrest 15 Organizers, Consultants
Based on the available evidence, 15 organizers and holiday consultants associated with the company were apprehended: Police
Hyderabad: The Gachibowli police have busted an alleged holiday membership fraud being operated under the name "The Pacific Holiday World", a unit of 4R Seasons Holidays Private Limited, New Delhi, and apprehended 15 organizers and holiday consultants who were allegedly inducing customers to purchase holiday packages through false promises and deceptive marketing practices, the police said.
Following a complaint from Vutturi Swaraj, on July 24, alleging that representatives of The Pacific Holiday World, induced him to purchase a holiday membership through false promises at a star hotel in Gachibowli. Believing their assurances, he paid Rs.3.40 lakh through his bank credit card on July 16.
After receiving the payment, the accused allegedly failed to provide the promised membership benefits and stopped responding to his calls and messages. The complainant further learnt that several other persons were allegedly cheated by the same company in a similar manner.
Acting swiftly on the complaint, Gachibowli police conducted verification at the hotel, where the company was conducting promotional meetings with prospective customers. During the operation, police found that the organizers had been staying in a flat in Kondapur from July 16, while conducting the promotional campaign.
Based on the available evidence and the complaint, 15 organizers and holiday consultants associated with the company were apprehended for further investigation.
Investigation revealed that the company deployed marketing executives to prominent shopping malls and commercial establishments in major cities. The executives approached visitors and distributed free gift coupons, collected their mobile phone numbers, and assured them that they had been selected to receive attractive holiday benefits.
Subsequently, the customers were contacted over phone and invited to meetings conducted in star hotels. During these presentations, the company representatives persuaded customers to purchase holiday memberships by making lucrative promises such as Rs.1.25 lakh membership for five years for seven nights of accommodation every year at five star destinations across India and 10-year membership for seven nights of accommodation every year in India as well as selected five star international destinations.
Customers were allegedly induced to make immediate payments by offering limited-period discounts, complimentary gifts, and assurances of luxurious holiday stays. However, it was found that several customers did not receive the promised services, resulting in allegations of cheating.
