My Story: How I Got Scammed#
I want to share an experience that taught me a hard lesson about online booking scams. Recently, I tried to book two rooms at a hotel in Puri. I found a website that looked very professional and legitimate. There was also a phone number on the site, so I decided to call.
A person answered claiming to be Ashok, the front desk manager. He spoke excellent English and seemed very credible and professional. His tone and confidence convinced me that I was dealing with a real hotel employee.
Trusting him, I went ahead and transferred the booking amount of 24,000 Rupees. After sending the money, I expected to receive a confirmation. But after a while, Ashok stopped responding to my messages and calls. The website disappeared, and my booking was never confirmed.
How the Fraud Happened:#
- Fake Website:
The fraudster created a professional-looking website that appeared to be the official booking platform for the hotel. The website design, images, and details were convincing enough to mislead users into believing it was genuine. The victim got this website through Google search and belived the fake website in Google search result.
- Phone and WhatsApp Communication:
The fraudster provided a phone number and communicated via calls and WhatsApp chats, posing as a front desk manager named “Ashok.” Their ability to speak fluent English and use professional language added to their credibility.
- Request for Advance Payment:
The fraudster insisted on an advance payment to confirm the booking. They provided bank account details or payment links, making it seem like a standard procedure for hotel reservations.
- Disappearance After Payment:
Once the payment was made, the fraudster stopped responding to calls and messages. The victim realized they had been scammed when the booking was not confirmed, and the website turned out to be fake.
Warning Signs: When to Exercise Caution#
🔴 Sponsored or Ads Masquerading as Organic Results: Paid results may appear first but aren’t always trustworthy.
🔴 Unfamiliar or Slightly Altered URLs: Fake websites often mimic real ones with minor spelling changes.
🔴 No Reviews or Fake Reviews: New websites with overly positive or generic reviews are suspicious.
🔴 Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers: Extremely low prices or unrealistic deals are often scams.
🔴 Lack of Contact Information or Inconsistent Details: Missing or mismatched phone numbers, addresses, or emails indicate a risk.
🔴 Urgency & Pressure: They push you to act immediately, like sending money or sharing sensitive info.
How to Protect Yourself:#
- Verify the Website’s Authenticity:
- Always check the official website of the hotel by searching using trusted travel platforms.
- Read reviews and check for complaints about the website or phone number. The Google search shall help you in this
- Avoid Direct Payments to Unknown Accounts:
- Be cautious if you are asked to transfer money directly to a bank account or through untraceable methods.
- Confirm Details with the Hotel Directly:
- Contact the hotel directly using the phone number or email address listed on their official website to verify the booking and payment process.
- Do not rely solely on the contact details provided on third-party websites or a Google search.
- Be Skeptical of Urgency and Pressure:
- Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making quick payments. Take your time to verify the details before proceeding.
- If something feels off, trust your instincts and double-check the information.