Alarmed by a sharp rise in cyber fraud cases targeting tourists in Goa, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavde on Friday urged the Union government to take swift and stringent action against fraudulent hotel booking websites and digital payment scams, warning that unchecked online crime could dent the state’s tourism economy and visitor confidence.
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Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Upper House, Tanavde said Goa’s growing popularity as a tourism hotspot and emerging hub for digital nomads has been accompanied by an unsettling increase in online scams, particularly involving accommodation bookings and payment fraud.
“Goa has witnessed unprecedented tourist inflow over the past few years, which has significantly contributed to the local economy. Unfortunately, this growth has also led to a steep rise in cyber frauds, especially fake hotel listings and digital payment scams that prey on unsuspecting travellers,” he said.
The MP told the House that several tourists have fallen victim to bogus websites and social media pages posing as legitimate hotels, homestays and resorts. In many cases, visitors transfer advance payments only to discover upon arrival that the property does not exist or has no record of their booking.
“These frauds are not isolated incidents anymore. They are becoming organised, systematic and highly convincing, exploiting popular travel portals, messaging platforms and online payment systems,” Tanavde said, adding that such crimes not only cause financial losses but also leave tourists stranded and distressed.
He cautioned that repeated incidents of cyber cheating could severely impact Goa’s image as a safe and welcoming destination, particularly among international visitors and remote workers who increasingly rely on digital platforms for travel planning.
Calling for coordinated action, Tanavde urged the Centre to strengthen cyber surveillance mechanisms, crack down on fake booking networks and improve inter-state coordination to track organised fraud rackets operating across multiple jurisdictions.
He also sought stricter regulation of online accommodation platforms and verification of property listings, along with faster takedown of fraudulent websites and social media accounts.
“The tourism sector depends heavily on trust. If visitors begin to associate Goa with scams and online cheating, the long-term damage to livelihoods linked to tourism could be significant,” he warned.
Industry stakeholders in Goa have echoed similar concerns in recent months, pointing to a spike in complaints from tourists who were duped through cloned hotel websites and deceptive advertisements offering heavily discounted stays.
Cybercrime officials say fraudsters often use professionally designed webpages, fake customer care numbers and forged reviews to lure victims. Payments are typically routed through multiple digital wallets or mule accounts, making recovery difficult once the money is transferred.
Tanavde also called for enhanced public awareness campaigns, advising tourists to book only through verified platforms, avoid making advance payments to unknown accounts and cross-check hotel details directly with property owners.
He urged the government to consider a dedicated helpline for tourism-related cyber fraud and faster grievance redressal for victims, especially visitors from outside the state.
With Goa preparing for upcoming peak travel seasons, the MP stressed the urgency of preventive action.
“Tourism is the backbone of Goa’s economy. Protecting visitors from cyber fraud is not just a law enforcement issue—it is essential for safeguarding the state’s reputation and economic stability,” he said.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
