Are Tourists Aware of the Rising Online Hotel Booking Frauds in Kerala?
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Synopsis
As online hotel booking frauds surge in Kerala, the Kerala Travel Mart Society (KTM) issues a critical advisory for travelers. With the peak tourism season approaching, both domestic and international visitors must exercise caution against scam attempts targeting renowned destinations like Kochi and Kumarakom.
Key Takeaways
- Stay vigilant and verify payment requests before transfers.
- Use official hotel contact numbers for any inquiries.
- Be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages.
- Hotels should enhance their digital security measures.
- Report any fraudulent activity to local authorities.
Kochi, Nov 15 (NationPress) The Kerala Travel Mart Society (KTM), the largest tourism consortium in the state, has issued a crucial advisory alerting both domestic and international tourists about a significant increase in online hotel-booking scams that are specifically targeting renowned destinations like Kochi and Kumarakom.
This warning comes as Kerala enters its peak season for inbound tourism, attracting thousands of holidaymakers from across India and beyond.
KTM President Jose Pradeep stated that the organization has received numerous complaints from travelers who were deceived after making seemingly legitimate room bookings through reputable travel agency websites.
Fraudsters impersonating hotel staff have been reported to reach out to guests through phone calls or text messages, attempting to extort advance payments under various pretenses.
According to KTM, these scammers often pressure victims to make immediate payments, threatening to cancel existing bookings or enticing them with offers of upgraded rooms for instant payment.
In several instances, unsuspecting tourists have transferred funds via QR codes or payment links after receiving counterfeit ID cards purportedly from hotel employees.
"Many travelers have reported losing significant amounts of money. This alarming trend has prompted us to issue a warning urging travelers to remain vigilant," Pradeep added.
He recommended that visitors contact the official phone numbers listed on hotel websites to verify any payment requests prior to transferring any funds.
KTM has also urged member hotels to enhance their digital security measures and monitor their websites, vouchers, and communication channels to prevent exploitation by cybercriminals.
Hotels are advised to inform customers about potential impersonation attempts and to verify all third-party communications related to bookings.
Established in 2000, the Kerala Travel Mart Society unites a diverse range of stakeholders within the state's tourism sector, including hotels, resorts, tour operators, and service providers.
As Kerala seeks to bolster its status as a premier global tourism destination this winter, KTM emphasizes that safeguarding visitors from online scams is essential to maintaining the state's reputation.
The industry body has called for increased vigilance from both tourists and hospitality establishments, emphasizing that timely verification and awareness are the most effective strategies against online booking fraud.
Point of View
The rising trend of online booking frauds is a concerning issue that impacts the tourism industry significantly. The Kerala Travel Mart Society's advisory serves as a necessary reminder for both travelers and hospitality businesses to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding against these scams. The reputation of Kerala as a premier tourism destination relies heavily on maintaining trust and safety for visitors.
NationPress
15/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What should travelers do if they suspect a booking is fraudulent?
Travelers should verify any payment requests by contacting the hotel's official phone number directly before making any transfers.
How can hotels protect themselves from fraud?
Hotels can enhance their digital security, monitor communications, and inform customers about potential impersonation attempts.
What are common tactics used by scammers?
Scammers often pose as hotel staff and pressure guests to make immediate payments, sometimes offering fake upgrades or threatening to cancel bookings.
Who issued the warning about online hotel booking frauds?
The warning was issued by the Kerala Travel Mart Society (KTM), the largest tourism industry consortium in Kerala.
What destinations are primarily affected by these scams?
Popular tourist destinations like Kochi and Kumarakom are primarily targeted by these online booking frauds.
