Faridabad: Faridabad police have arrested seven people in connection with an alleged cyber fraud in which a woman was cheated of ₹84,000 on the pretext of booking a hotel in the Andaman Islands. The Cyber Crime Central police station investigation reportedly found that the accused used a fake website and mobile numbers to pose as hotel booking service providers and persuade customers to transfer money into bank accounts allegedly linked to the network.
According to police, four of the arrested accused were involved in making calls, while others allegedly handled the fake website, bank accounts and technical infrastructure used in the operation.
Woman Loses ₹84,000 While Searching for Andaman Hotel
The case came to light after a woman from Sector 78 approached the police. According to her complaint, she searched online for a hotel in the Andaman Islands on June 16.
During the search, she came across an online platform operating under the name PACIFIC HOLIDAYS INDIA. She contacted the mobile number displayed on the website, following which the accused allegedly assured her that they could arrange the hotel booking.
The woman was subsequently asked to make payments through different channels to complete the booking process. She eventually transferred a total of ₹84,000 to accounts allegedly controlled by the fraud network.
After making the payments, she realised that the booking was not genuine and approached the Cyber Crime Central police station.
Bank Trail Helps Police Identify Suspects
Police registered a case and began examining the banking transactions, mobile numbers and other technical evidence connected with the complaint.
The financial trail allegedly helped investigators identify people connected with the suspected fraud. Police first arrested Rahul, who investigators allege created the fake website and arranged technical facilities for the network.
According to police, Rahul has studied B.Com and LLB.
₹84,000 Allegedly Credited to One Bank Account
Investigators subsequently traced the bank account into which the victim’s money had allegedly been transferred and arrested Jai Bisht.
Police said the entire ₹84,000 allegedly defrauded from the woman was credited to Jai Bisht’s account.
During questioning, investigators allegedly found that Jai Bisht’s bank account had been obtained by his sister-in-law and subsequently provided to her husband, Vikram. Police have described Vikram as the alleged mastermind of the network.
Rented Room in Ghaziabad Allegedly Used as Calling Centre
According to investigators, Vikram had rented a room in the Mariam Nagar area of Ghaziabad, where he allegedly operated the calling setup with Vishal, Ankur and Punit Saxena.
The group allegedly contacted people looking for hotel bookings and offered to arrange reservations through the online platform. Victims were then allegedly persuaded to transfer money for the bookings.
Police have arrested Vikram, Vishal, Ankur, Punit Saxena and a woman accused in addition to Rahul and Jai Bisht, taking the total number of arrests to seven.
The accused were reportedly apprehended from Ghaziabad, Haridwar and Hapur.
How the Fake Hotel Booking Scam Allegedly Worked
The investigation indicates an alleged multi-step operation:
- A fake website was created to appear like a genuine hotel or travel booking platform.
- Customers searching online for accommodation were directed to the platform.
- Phone numbers displayed on the website were used to contact potential customers.
- Callers allegedly presented themselves as booking representatives.
- Customers were persuaded to transfer money into bank accounts linked to the network.
- The booking was allegedly never completed after the payment was received.
Police are now examining whether the same website, phone numbers or bank accounts were used to target other customers.
Why Fake Booking Websites Can Be Difficult to Spot
Fake travel and hotel websites can appear legitimate because fraudsters may use professional-looking layouts, photographs, booking information and contact numbers to create an appearance of authenticity.
Finding a website through an internet search does not by itself establish that the platform is authorised. Fraudsters can also use business names that resemble genuine travel companies or create websites specifically designed to capture customers searching for particular destinations.
How to Check a Hotel Booking Website Before Paying
Before transferring money for a hotel or travel booking, customers should independently verify the service provider.
Useful precautions include:
- Check whether the hotel lists the booking company or website among its authorised booking partners.
- Contact the hotel through a phone number listed on its official website rather than relying solely on the number provided by a third-party website.
- Check the website domain, company details and online presence carefully.
- Be cautious when a booking agent insists on immediate payment or asks for money into an individual’s personal bank account.
- Avoid downloading unknown applications or sharing banking credentials or OTPs with a booking representative.
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Cybercrime Expert Warns Against Trusting Search Results
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said online booking fraud often succeeds because people assume that a professionally designed website appearing in search results is automatically genuine.
He advised users to independently verify the website, contact details and payment information through the official website of the hotel, airline or travel company before making any transaction.
Police Investigate Wider Network
Investigators are now examining the alleged division of roles within the group, the bank accounts used to receive payments and whether the network may have targeted other customers.
Police are also looking into the technical infrastructure used to create and operate the fake booking platform, along with the mobile numbers and digital devices allegedly used by the accused.
The financial trail will be examined to determine whether additional accounts or individuals were involved in receiving, transferring or withdrawing the suspected fraud proceeds.
Investigation Underway
The Faridabad police have urged people to use trusted and authorised platforms while booking hotels, tour packages or other travel services online. Residents have also been advised not to rely on mobile numbers or websites found through random internet searches without verification.
Customers should independently verify the website, service provider and beneficiary bank account before transferring money.
The investigation into the alleged hotel booking fraud is continuing, and further arrests or recoveries may follow if additional links are established.
About the author — Ananya Aradhya writes on cybercrime, fraud, scams, cybersecurity, digital safety, and emerging threats. Her work also covers major criminal cases, financial frauds, consumer scams, and stories that highlight risks affecting people in the real and digital world.
