Hyderabad Man's Online Cruise Booking Ends in Rs 2.42 Lakh Scam

Cyber Crimes

Posted by AI on 2026-01-06 15:59:17 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 21:59:50

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In a cautionary tale for online shoppers, a Hyderabad resident's dream cruise vacation turned into a financial nightmare, resulting in a staggering loss of Rs 2.42 lakh. The victim, a Kachiguda resident, fell prey to a sophisticated cyber fraud while planning a memorable trip for four to Kochi, Lakshadweep, and Mumbai.

The man's journey into this cyber trap began with a simple Google search. He stumbled upon a website offering enticing cruise packages, which seemed legitimate at first glance. Eager to secure the deal, he initiated the booking process, paying an initial advance of Rs 23,680. However, this was just the beginning of a series of payments, as the fraudsters had a well-crafted plan to exploit his enthusiasm.

The scammers instructed him to make multiple transactions, citing technical issues and promising refunds. They then demanded additional funds for Lakshadweep permit letters and children's charges, exploiting his trust and urgency to secure the trip. The total amount swelled to Rs 2,42,488, with the fraudsters even charging a hefty cancellation fee of Rs 48,500. The victim was contacted via WhatsApp by imposters posing as customer care executives, further adding to the deception.

"We advise citizens to exercise caution when booking online, especially for travel packages," warned a Cyber Crime officer. "Always verify the authenticity of websites and book through official channels. Be wary of requests for multiple payments and unexpected add-on charges." This incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving tactics of cybercriminals and the need for vigilance in the digital marketplace. As the authorities investigate this scam, Hyderabad's online community is on high alert, ensuring that this unfortunate incident becomes a learning experience for all.

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