Goa, widely celebrated as the crown jewel of Indian tourism, continues to be a top destination for those seeking sun, sand, and vibrant culture. Unfortunately, the region’s allure has also drawn the attention of fraudulent actors, as a recent scam has exposed the darker side of online bookings. On Monday, Goa police arrested a Hyderabad-based gang believed to be behind a significant fraud targeting tourists.
The arrested individuals, identified as Sayed Ali Mukhtar, Mohammed Firod, Mohammed Azharuddin Saif, and Saurabh Duseja from Gwalior, allegedly exploited popular travel aggregator sites by advertising non-existent hotels. They lured unsuspecting tourists with fake listings and manipulated them into paying via unverified UPI transactions.
The scam came to light when Pankaj Dhiman, a resident of Chandigarh, reported a loss of Rs20,000 after attempting to book what he thought was a legitimate hotel in Goa. The scammers cleverly presented attractive property listings on well-known platforms, but the booking process deviated from established norms. Tourists were directed to make payments outside of official websites, and were often encouraged to bypass standard booking protocols in favor of communicating with the scammers directly via phone numbers.
This type of scam highlights the ongoing vulnerabilities despite existing efforts to regulate online bookings. In January 2019, the Goa Assembly passed an amendment to the Goa Tourist Trade Act to protect tourists from fraudulent listings. The law mandates that all online platforms must register with the Goa Tourism Department before listing hotel accommodations, and prohibits unregistered hotels from being promoted.
However, the recent scam reveals the loopholes still present in the system. It serves as a reminder for tourists to exercise caution when making reservations online. While attractive prices may be tempting, it’s crucial to verify the legitimacy of a booking. Tourists should seek official listings or contact hotels through verified channels to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
The Goa Tourism Department holds the authority to regulate these practices and can request online platforms to remove listings for unregistered or canceled hotels. Though the department has worked to address these issues, this scam underscores the need for further vigilance and robust enforcement.
In an increasingly digital world, travelers must remain informed and cautious. Before making any payments, it’s crucial to book through official channels and ensure that properties are registered with the Goa Tourism Department. With greater awareness and tighter enforcement, the risk of scams can be reduced, allowing Goa to continue offering a safe and enjoyable experience for tourists.
As authorities continue to investigate and dismantle these fraudulent operations, it’s hoped that these scams will become a thing of the past, ensuring that Goa retains its reputation as a trusted and secure destination for travelers.
