Meerut: A major cyber fraud involving fake travel bookings on social media platforms has been exposed in Meerut, where a man has been arrested for allegedly cheating 39 individuals across 11 states of approximately ₹15 lakh by offering false train, flight, and hotel reservation services through fabricated online identities.
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Fake Profiles Used to Lure Customers
According to information, the accused identified as Prashant Agrawal created multiple fake profiles on Facebook and Instagram posing as a legitimate tour and travel operator. He attracted customers by posting attractive offers for discounted travel bookings and assured quick confirmations for tickets and hotel stays.
Victims from different parts of India were contacted through social media advertisements and messaging platforms. They were asked to transfer money into bank accounts provided by the accused as advance payment for reservations. After receiving the funds, the accused allegedly switched off contact numbers and stopped responding.
Complaints Spread Across 11 States
Investigators stated that complaints were registered from several states including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Gujarat, Delhi, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Telangana, and Punjab. A coordinated cyber investigation revealed that the accused had been operating similar fraudulent activities for a considerable period.
The accused allegedly operated under the guise of a travel agency and frequently changed mobile numbers and digital handles to avoid detection. He also used multiple bank accounts, including those linked to relatives, to route the defrauded money and conceal financial trails.
Digital Evidence and Bank Records Recovered
During the investigation, police recovered mobile phones, SIM cards, and bank account documents allegedly used in the fraud. Preliminary findings suggest that the accused had also used his mother’s bank account to receive part of the illegal proceeds, and a vehicle was reportedly purchased using the defrauded funds.
Officials further noted that the accused had prior involvement in unrelated cases, which is also being examined as part of the broader investigation. Authorities are now tracing the flow of money to identify additional beneficiaries and potential accomplices connected to the racket.
Social Media Fraud Raises Fresh Concerns
The case has raised serious concerns over the misuse of social media platforms for financial fraud, highlighting the growing trend of cybercriminals using fake identities to lure unsuspecting victims. Authorities have urged users to verify online travel service providers before making any payments.
With the arrest of the accused, further interrogation is expected to reveal a wider network and additional financial transactions linked to the scam. The investigation remains ongoing as agencies continue to analyze digital footprints and banking records.
WhatsApp Numbers and Fake Testimonials Used
The accused also created multiple WhatsApp numbers and frequently rebranded his online profiles to appear as a legitimate travel aggregator. He used professionally designed posts and fabricated customer testimonials to build trust among potential victims. In many cases, he offered unusually low prices for train and flight tickets, which further attracted customers and encouraged quick payments without verification.
Victims reported that after making payments, they received repeated excuses regarding ticket confirmations and hotel bookings, followed by complete communication breakdown. Many individuals from different states filed coordinated complaints through cybercrime portals, prompting multi-state alerts. The cumulative loss was initially estimated at around ₹15 lakh, though investigators believe the actual amount may be higher as more victims come forward. Users are advised to avoid transferring money to personal bank accounts and to remain cautious of unusually cheap travel offers on social media platforms. Experts also suggest reporting suspicious profiles immediately to prevent further victimisation.
