A 60-year-old doctor from Hyderabad has allegedly lost more than ₹3 lakh in an online fraud after cybercriminals lured him with a fake helicopter tour package for the Char Dham Yatra. The fraudsters allegedly used a social media advertisement, forged travel documents and fake booking confirmations to convince the victim to transfer money. Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have registered a case and started an investigation.
According to police, the victim, a resident of Attapur, was planning a Char Dham pilgrimage with his family when he came across an advertisement on Instagram offering helicopter services for the yatra.
The accused allegedly posed as representatives of Himalayan Heli Services and offered a three-night, four-day helicopter package for six people at a cost of ₹3.58 lakh.
Fake Tickets and Documents Used to Gain Trust
After contacting the number mentioned in the advertisement, the doctor was allegedly assured of a helicopter booking. Believing the offer to be genuine, he transferred more than ₹3 lakh in five instalments to the bank account provided by the accused.
To make the transaction appear legitimate, the fraudsters allegedly sent helicopter tickets, hotel reservation confirmations and VIP darshan documents through email.
The victim relied on the documents and continued with his travel preparations, believing that the booking had been successfully completed.
Fraud Exposed During Booking Verification
The alleged fraud came to light shortly before the scheduled journey when the doctor contacted the hotel and helicopter service provider to confirm the arrangements.
During verification, he was informed that no booking existed in his name. Further checks revealed that the documents sent to him were allegedly forged, following which he approached the Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police.
Based on the complaint, police have registered a case and are examining bank accounts, mobile numbers, email addresses and digital payment trails connected to the fraud.
Cyber Police Trace Digital Evidence
Investigators are also analysing the social media advertisement and other digital evidence to identify the persons involved in the alleged scam.
Cybercrime experts have warned that fraudsters are increasingly targeting travellers and pilgrims by offering fake religious tourism packages and helicopter bookings. People have been advised to verify service providers through official websites or authorised agencies before making advance payments.
Authorities have also cautioned travellers against unusually attractive offers, urgent payment demands and transfers to personal bank accounts, which are common warning signs in online fraud cases.
