Man Loses Over Rs 94,256 In Fake Char Dham Package Tour Scam
The police asked the people to beware of travel offers promoted through social media ads; always verify the authenticity of travel companies before making any payments. Confirm all flight bookings directly with the airline using official channels and check PNR status regularly
Hyderabad: A 42-year-old resident from Hyderabad became victim of travel fraud, involving a fake tour operator claiming to be Himalayan heli services, and lost more than Rs 94,256. The victim came in contact with the company through an Instagram advertisement and coordinated via WhatsApp messages and phone calls, to book a Char Dham trip from October 12 to 17.
The total quotation of the trip, including helicopter services and flight tickets from Hyderabad to Dehradun and back, was Rs 94,256.
The victim paid Rs 30,000 on October 3 and Rs 64,256 on October 4, and additional Rs 28,000 on October 7 for purportedly refundable travel insurance.
On October 11, a day before the trip, the victim was asked to pay another Rs 24,000 for helicopter boarding pass, prompting them to verify flight PNR, which showed the flights had been cancelled, revealing the scam.
Police asked people to beware of travel offers promoted through social media advertisements; always verify the authenticity of travel companies before making any payments. Confirm all flight bookings directly with the airline using official channels and check PNR status regularly. Do not pay extra amounts for insurance, boarding passes or other additional services without proper documentation. Avoid sharing personal or financial information with unknown agents or unverified sources.
In case of suspicious calls or transactions, immediately contact your bank, the airline or local cybercrime authorities to report the fraud. Always keep records of all communications, payment receipts and booking confirmations for reference. Report such frauds immediately on helpline number 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov.in. In case of any emergency, call on WhatsApp number 8712665171, police said.
