Secunderabad woman loses Rs. 1.3 lakh in online resort room booking scam
Hyderabad: A 30-year-old government employee from Secunderabad fell victim to a resort booking scam, losing Rs. 1,33,100. On June 2, 2025, while browsing online for resort rooms, the victim came across “MYRA GOLDEN RESORT” in Cheerala, Bapatla District. She contacted the number listed for the resort and was told the cost per room was Rs. 4,000. Initially, she paid Re. 1 as a confirmation charge.
The fraudster then asked for the full amount of Rs. 4,000 to confirm the booking, which the victim paid. Soon after, she received messages stating her account had been credited with Rs. 10 and then Rs. 39,900. The scammer claimed that Rs. 39,900 was mistakenly transferred instead of Rs. 3,990 and asked her to return the excess amount.
Without verifying her bank balance, the victim transferred Rs. 35,000 to the provided account. She continued to receive fake credit messages and, believing them genuine, transferred Rs. 35,000 again. When the fraudster claimed non-receipt of the amount, he asked her to split the transaction. She then transferred Rs. 20,000, followed by another Rs. 35,000 through Internet banking.
After finally checking her bank balance, the victim realized all transactions were successful, totaling Rs. 1,33,100 debited from her account. When she confronted the fraudster for a refund, he provided a new account and asked her to send the entire amount to receive her money back. To test this, the victim sent Rs. 100, which was returned as Rs. 200, with a demand for immediate full payment. Suspecting the scam, she stopped further transactions and filed an online complaint.
Public Advisory:
Fraudsters are using fake advertisements and websites under the names of reputed or non-existent resorts to cheat people booking accommodations online. Always verify resort websites and contact numbers through official sources before making any payments.
Never trust SMS or WhatsApp messages claiming bank transfers without checking your actual bank statement. Do not return money to strangers claiming mistaken transfers. Contact your bank first. Be cautious if asked for multiple payments or if pressured to pay quickly. Avoid payments via UPI or wallets to unknown individuals for bookings. Use verified platforms only. Report cyber fraud at https://cybercrime.gov.in or dial 1930. For emergencies related to cyber fraud, call or WhatsApp at 8712665171.
