Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the upcoming Rath Yatra, authorities in Odisha have blocked 46 fraudulent hotel booking websites that were allegedly targeting devotees and tourists visiting Puri. The fake portals were designed to imitate genuine hotel websites and cheat visitors through advance payment scams.
Fake Booking Portals Blocked
The operation was carried out by the Odisha Crime Branch after several victims complained that their hotel bookings did not exist despite making full online payments. Officials said the fraud network exploited the heavy demand for accommodation during Rath Yatra, when large numbers of pilgrims and tourists travel to Puri.
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In several cases, victims booked rooms online, paid in advance and discovered the fraud only after reaching Puri. One such case involved a tourist from Rajasthan who allegedly booked three rooms for his family but found no reservation on arrival.
Pilgrims Targeted During Peak Season
Cyber teams took coordinated action between June 20 and June 22, blocking 15 fake websites. Another major action followed on June 27, when 11 more portals were shut down. In all, 46 fraudulent domains were identified and taken offline during the surveillance operation.
Investigators found that the scam operators cloned real hotel websites, manipulated search visibility and used misleading advertisements to attract users. The portals offered discounts, VIP services and pilgrimage packages to push visitors into making quick payments.
Authorities said that once payments were made, victims either lost access to the websites or received no response from the operators.
Digital Surveillance Intensified
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration had earlier flagged concerns over duplicate websites imitating official booking services related to temple accommodations. Officials said around 30 tourists have lost nearly ₹5 lakh in similar online hotel booking scams in Odisha over the past year, though the actual number of victims may be higher due to underreporting.
Authorities have urged pilgrims to book rooms only through verified platforms or official hotel websites and avoid making payments through links shared on social media or unknown sources.
Cyber officials said digital surveillance has been intensified ahead of the festival, with internet service providers being asked to help identify and block suspicious domains quickly. Awareness campaigns are also being planned to alert travellers about fake hotel booking portals during major religious gatherings.
