Kolkata Hotel Chain Files Police Complaint Over 31 Fake Booking Websites
A well-known hotel chain based in Kolkata has officially lodged a police complaint, revealing a sophisticated online scam operation. The complaint alleges that fraudsters have created at least thirty-one fake websites and an equal number of phone numbers specifically designed to deceive customers attempting to make hotel reservations.
Deceptive Tactics Used by Scammers
According to police reports, the accused individuals employed highly deceptive methods to trap unsuspecting customers. They registered domain names that closely resembled the hotel group's official portals, creating convincing lookalike websites. Furthermore, the scammers ran sponsored advertisements on Google search results by strategically inserting the hotel brand's name, making their fraudulent sites appear legitimate to potential victims.
The hotel liaison officer expressed frustration, stating that despite clear disclaimers on the official website and previous complaints, the fraudulent activities have continued unabated. This persistence highlights the challenges businesses face in combating sophisticated online scams that exploit trusted brand names.
Police Investigation Underway
A Bidhannagar police officer confirmed that active efforts are underway to identify the individuals responsible for this elaborate scam. "Our primary objectives are to identify the accused persons and work toward disabling all the fake websites that have been created," the officer stated. The investigation involves tracking the digital footprints left by the scammers across multiple platforms.
Geographic Scope of the Targeted Hotel Chain
The affected hotel group operates properties across several popular tourist destinations, making it an attractive target for fraudsters seeking to exploit travelers. Their legitimate hotels are located in:
- Kolaghat
- Taki
- Mandarmani
- Puri
- Darjeeling
- Tarapith
- Sundarbans
This geographic diversity means potential victims could be booking stays across multiple regions, unaware they're interacting with fraudulent websites rather than the legitimate hotel chain's official booking portals.
Broader Implications for Online Security
This case underscores significant vulnerabilities in the digital booking ecosystem. The use of thirty-one distinct URLs and phone numbers suggests a highly organized operation rather than isolated incidents. Customers searching for hotel accommodations in these popular destinations now face increased risks of financial loss and personal data compromise.
Industry experts warn that such scams are becoming increasingly common as fraudsters exploit the trust consumers place in established brands and search engine advertising. The incident serves as a critical reminder for both businesses and consumers to implement enhanced verification measures when conducting online transactions.
