Businessman loses Rs 1.02 lakh in Mahakumbh Mela booking scam: Here’s what happened

In today’s digital age, scams have become a common threat, and it’s crucial to stay alert while making online transactions. A recent incident highlights how easy it is to fall victim to such frauds. A 75-year-old businessman, Sudesh Bhatia, lost a significant amount of Rs 1.02 lakh after falling for a scam while booking accommodations and flight tickets for the Mahakumbh Mela.

Bhatia, who runs a pharmaceutical factory in Versova, had planned to attend the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj with his family on January 24 and 25. While searching for online booking options, he stumbled upon a fraudulent website, www.Mahakumbhcottagereservation.org, which appeared to offer bookings for tents and flights. The website seemed legitimate, and Bhatia contacted the phone number listed on it.

The scammer spoke with Bhatia and offered a tent accommodation for three people at Rs 14,000. Trusting the site, Bhatia immediately transferred the amount to the accused’s IndusInd Bank account via RTGS and received a receipt for the payment.

Also read: Surat businessman loses Rs 5 lakh in currency exchange scam: How to protect yourself

Later, the scammer offered flight tickets from Mumbai to Prayagraj, quoting Rs 88,786 for three return tickets. Bhatia agreed to the offer and the payment was made from his son’s HDFC Bank account to the account details provided by the fraudster.

The scammer then sent a ticket confirmation receipt, but when Bhatia requested the actual tickets, the responses grew vague, and the scammer avoided further contact, reports The Free Press Journal.

Eventually, Bhatia realised he had been scammed when the accused stopped responding entirely, and his phone numbers were switched off. By then, Bhatia had lost Rs 1.02 lakh. He immediately filed a complaint with the police

Also read: Mumbai woman loses Rs 1.5cr to fraudsters posing as govt officials: Here’s what happened

How to protect yourself from such scams

• Verify website legitimacy: Always check the website’s authenticity before making any payments. Look for reviews and ratings from other users.
• Be cautious with contact information: If a website provides contact details, cross-check them with official sources before communicating.
• Avoid unsolicited offers: Be wary of unsolicited offers or deals that seem too good to be true, especially when they require immediate payment.
• Use secure payment methods: Use trusted payment methods and avoid transferring money directly to bank accounts without proper verification.
• Stay informed: Keep yourself updated on common scams and how to spot them.