Is the Online Five-Star Scam Targeting Durga Puja Travelers?
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Synopsis
As Durga Puja approaches, Kolkata Police are alerting the public about a new cyber fraud targeting travelers. With clever tactics, scammers lure victims into booking luxury hotels online. Stay informed to protect your finances this festive season!
Key Takeaways
- Always verify hotel authenticity.
- Be cautious of unsolicited calls.
- Never share financial information.
- Look out for red flags in online offers.
- Report suspicious activities to authorities.
Kolkata, Aug 4 (NationPress) With less than two months remaining until Durga Puja, the Kolkata Police have initiated a public awareness campaign regarding a novel form of cyber fraud, now termed the 'online five-star scam'.
In this latest scheme, cybercriminals are cleverly ensnaring travelers. They are tricking individuals into believing they are booking luxury accommodations.
Kolkata Police officers report that numerous travelers are losing money by falling prey to fraudulent hotel bookings at various tourist hotspots across the country, particularly in Puri.
A police spokesperson revealed that a resident from the Parnasree locality in South Kolkata recently lost Rs 70,000 while trying to book a hotel for Rs 7,000 for a vacation in Puri.
“We've started receiving similar reports indicating that cyber fraudsters are not only targeting domestic travelers but also attempting to deceive those making hotel arrangements abroad. This represents a type of online five-star scam orchestrated by these criminals. We are actively warning the public about this via social media,” stated a city police officer.
According to police sources, individuals looking to reserve accommodations in various local and international tourist destinations are becoming prime targets for these cyber fraudsters.
“Many people are searching for hotels online or through search engines. In numerous instances, fraudsters create fake websites posing as reputable hotels. They provide their contact numbers on these sites. Travelers find themselves in trouble when they call the numbers listed on these fraudulent websites. Particularly for international hotel bookings, they are often enticed with significant discounts,” explained the police.
The department announced plans to escalate awareness efforts regarding these cyber frauds ahead of the Puja season, as many from West Bengal typically travel during the festive holidays.
Police noted that these criminals monitor online activities to identify those seeking accommodations in high-end hotels, including continental and five-star establishments. They often gather information through social media.
“In many cases, cyber fraudsters reach out to tourists via social media platforms. They may present themselves as travel agents or representatives of luxury hotels, claiming they wish to assist travelers with their bookings,” the police added.
They even request tourists to fill out forms to obtain sensitive information, subsequently sending a QR code to 'confirm' the reservation.
“Tourists are instructed to scan this QR code, after which OTPs will be sent to their phones, which they must share. By doing so, they inadvertently provide their financial information to the fraudsters, leading to significant withdrawals from their bank accounts,” said the police.
Point of View
It is imperative that we prioritize public safety during festive seasons like Durga Puja. The rise of cyber fraud is alarming, particularly as many people plan to travel. We must advocate for awareness and education to protect our community from such scams, reinforcing the need for vigilance and informed decision-making.
NationPress
05/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the online five-star scam?
The online five-star scam is a type of cyber fraud where scammers create fake hotel booking websites and deceive travelers into providing their financial information.
How can I avoid falling victim to this scam?
Always verify hotel websites, avoid sharing sensitive information, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
What should I do if I suspect I've been scammed?
Report the incident to the police immediately, and contact your bank to secure your accounts.
Are these scams limited to local bookings?
No, scammers are targeting both domestic and international hotel bookings.
What are the signs of a fraudulent hotel website?
Look for poor website design, unprofessional email addresses, and offers that seem unusually cheap.
