Bengaluru: A serious warning has emerged for people planning summer vacations. In Mysuru, Karnataka, a well-organized cyber fraud network has duped travellers of at least ₹6 lakh through fake luxury resort websites. The scam was executed so convincingly that unsuspecting users searching for hotels on Google fell straight into the trap.
The case came to light after a complaint was filed by a representative associated with a reputed resort, alleging that multiple fake websites were created using their brand identity. These fraudulent portals closely mimicked the original website in design, logo, and content, making it extremely difficult for users to distinguish between genuine and fake platforms.
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Investigations revealed that cybercriminals went beyond just creating fake websites—they also set up fraudulent email IDs and mobile numbers. Through these channels, customers were directly connected to the scammers, who handled conversations in a highly professional manner to avoid suspicion.
One of the most alarming aspects was how these fake websites were strategically listed on Google Business, allowing them to appear at the top of search results. As soon as a user searched for a luxury hotel or resort, these deceptive links showed up prominently, leading them directly into the fraud network.
According to investigators, at least eight individuals have already fallen victim to this scheme. The scammers used urgency as a key tactic, telling customers that “rooms are filling fast” and “immediate payment is required to secure booking.” Under such psychological pressure, travellers often skipped verification and transferred advance payments via UPI.
An official noted that peak seasons—especially summer holidays—make travellers more vulnerable. In the rush to secure attractive deals and limited availability, people tend to overlook basic verification steps, which cybercriminals actively exploit.
Cybersecurity experts describe this as a classic case of ‘social engineering’. Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said, “Cybercriminals rely more on human psychology than technology. They create urgency, fear, and temptation to weaken decision-making, pushing victims to transfer money without proper verification.”
It also emerged that these fake websites were taken down only after the complaint was registered—by then, significant financial damage had already been done. Officials stressed that prompt reporting in such cases is critical to limit losses and prevent further victims.
What are the warning signs? Experts advise caution if a hotel website offers unusually large discounts or pressures users for immediate payment. Suspicious URLs, vague claims, and lack of verifiable contact details are major red flags. Travellers should always cross-check the website with official sources and directly call the hotel to confirm bookings.
How to stay safe? Travellers are advised to use only trusted platforms or official hotel websites for bookings. Blindly trusting every link that appears in Google search results can be risky. Before making any payment, it is essential to verify details through the hotel’s official contact channels.
Planning a summer vacation with caution can not only save money but also ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.
