Gurgaon Man Arrested for Alleged Rs 6 Lakh Hotel Bill Fraud Using Fake UPI App
In a startling case of digital deception, a man from Sohna, identified as Himanshu, has been arrested in Gurgaon for allegedly using counterfeit UPI payment screenshots to evade a hotel bill exceeding Rs 6 lakh. The arrest, made on Wednesday, follows a detailed complaint filed by the hotel management, highlighting a sophisticated scam that spanned over four months.
Details of the Extended Stay and Fraudulent Transactions
According to the complaint lodged by Tapesh Kumar, director of Lime Tree Hotels Service Apartment, the accused stayed at their DLF Phase V service apartment in two separate periods: initially from October 4, 2025, to October 7, 2025, and then again from October 15, 2025, to February 24, 2026. During this extended stay, Himanshu reportedly presented screenshots from a fake UPI application, which he shared via WhatsApp as proof of successful payments for his accommodation and services.
However, investigations revealed that these transactions were entirely fabricated. The hotel's bank account never received any of the purported payments, leading to mounting unpaid dues. When confronted by the hotel staff, the accused failed to provide valid transaction IDs or corresponding debit entries from his bank statements, further confirming the fraudulent nature of the claims.
Financial Impact and Legal Action
The total unpaid amount from these fake transactions has been calculated at Rs 6,17,000. The hotel submitted comprehensive records detailing 15 specific transactions that were claimed to have been made but were absent from their financial accounts. This evidence formed the basis of the police complaint, prompting swift legal action.
Police at Sector 53 station have registered a case under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating, along with relevant sections of the Information Technology (IT) Act. Authorities are currently conducting further investigations to uncover the full extent of the scam and determine if there are any additional victims or accomplices involved.
Broader Implications for Digital Payments Security
This incident underscores growing concerns about the security of digital payment systems in India, particularly with the widespread adoption of UPI platforms. Experts warn that such frauds can erode trust in cashless transactions and highlight the need for enhanced verification measures by both businesses and financial institutions. Hotels and service providers are advised to implement stricter payment confirmation protocols, such as cross-checking transactions directly with bank records rather than relying solely on screenshots or digital messages.
As the case progresses, it serves as a cautionary tale for the hospitality industry and consumers alike, emphasizing vigilance in an increasingly digital economy. The police have assured that they are pursuing all leads to ensure justice and prevent similar scams in the future.
