A Hyderabad man lost over ₹2.42 lakh in an online cruise booking scam. Discover how cybercriminals target travelers, how to stay safe from online travel scams, and where to report cybercrime in India.
Hyderabad Man Cheated in Online Cruise Booking Scam
In a shocking case, a resident of Kacheguda, Hyderabad, was duped of ₹2.42 lakh by online fraudsters pretending to be cruise booking agents. The victim, attracted by a tempting online deal, ended up paying several charges before the booking was abruptly canceled.
The Hyderabad Cybercrime Police have registered a case and urged citizens to be extra cautious while booking travel packages online.
How the Scam Happened
On December 26, 2025, the victim came across a website offering discounted cruise trips to Kochi, Lakshadweep, and Mumbai. Convinced it was legitimate, he booked a cruise for four passengers and made an initial payment.
The scammers then kept asking for more payments in multiple installments, claiming transaction errors and additional costs for permits, child tickets, and other add-ons — all with promises of refunds later. Eventually, the booking was “canceled” due to a fake payment issue, and the victim was asked to pay a hefty cancellation fee to get his refund processed.
The fraudsters, who communicated through WhatsApp, impersonated customer service executives of a well-known cruise company. In total, the man lost ₹2,42,488.
Red Flags in Online Travel Booking Scams
- Unbelievable deals: Prices far lower than official platforms
- Repeated payment requests: Genuine agencies rarely ask for multiple transfers
- Pressure tactics: Scammers create urgency to force quick payments
- Unofficial communication: Use of WhatsApp or personal numbers instead of company emails
- Fake cancellation fees: A common trick to extract more money
How to Avoid Online Travel Frauds
- Always book via official websites or verified travel agencies
- Check company authenticity through reviews, official pages, and government portals
- Use secure payment methods with fraud protection
- Avoid sharing sensitive details on chat apps like WhatsApp
- Keep records of all payments, receipts, and messages
How to Report Cybercrime in India
If you suspect cyber fraud, the Hyderabad Cybercrime Police recommend:
- Call 1930 immediately for help
- File a complaint on the Indian Cybercrime Portal
- Inform your bank to block further transactions
- Keep all proof—screenshots, chats, emails, and receipts
Conclusion
Online travel scams are getting more advanced, often luring people with unrealistic offers. The Hyderabad incident serves as a reminder to always verify before you pay, avoid sharing details on unofficial platforms, and report suspicious activities immediately.
FAQs on Online Cruise Booking Scams
How do I recognize a fake cruise booking website?
Look for secure HTTPS, verified reviews, official contact numbers, and certification. Avoid websites offering unrealistically cheap deals.
What should I do if I’ve already paid a scammer?
Contact your bank immediately for a chargeback, report the case to cybercrime authorities, and save all records.
Are WhatsApp-based booking offers genuine?
No. Legitimate cruise operators do not use WhatsApp for financial transactions. Always verify through official sites.
Can victims get their money back?
It’s difficult but possible with quick reporting and bank/police involvement. Acting early improves recovery chances.
