In today’s digital-first world, we rely on the internet for almost everything—from ordering food to booking hotels for holidays. While this convenience saves time, it also opens the door to cyber fraud. A recent incident from Mumbai highlights how a small lapse can lead to a major financial loss.

A 70-year-old businessman from the Mulund area fell victim to an online hotel booking scam and lost ₹2.75 lakh, all while trying to make a simple reservation.

How the Scam Began

The incident occurred on the afternoon of February 6. The senior citizen, a resident of Mulund (East), was attempting to book a hotel in Pune using a well-known online travel portal.
He paid ₹5,602 via Google Pay to complete the booking.

Soon after the payment, he received a message stating that the booking was incomplete and required an update. This message became the turning point that scammers exploited.

Searching for Customer Care Turned Into a Trap

Confused and concerned, the elderly man searched online for the travel portal’s customer care number. He found a mobile number on a search engine and called it, assuming it was legitimate.

On the other end, a person claimed to be a company executive and spoke politely, gaining the victim’s trust. He then asked to continue the conversation on WhatsApp. Shortly after, messages started coming from a person identifying himself as “Rahul Kumar Mishra.”

To build confidence, the scammer first asked the victim to transfer a ₹10 “verification amount.” Believing that such a small amount was harmless, the man complied.

Confidential Details Shared in the Name of a Refund

Next, the fraudster claimed that to process the refund for the incomplete booking, debit card details were required. Trusting the caller’s claims of being an official representative, the senior citizen shared his card information.

Within a few hours, three unauthorized transactions took place from his bank account:

• ₹10
• ₹1,90,005
• ₹85,000

In total, ₹2,75,015.90 was siphoned off. By the time he realized he had been scammed, the money was already gone.

Police Action and Legal Proceedings

After discovering the fraud, the victim immediately filed a complaint at the Navghar Police Station. The police have registered a case against:

• The unknown caller
• The person operating the WhatsApp account under the name Rahul Kumar Mishra
• Those involved in creating the fake interface

Investigations are underway to trace the bank accounts where the stolen money was transferred. The case has been registered under relevant sections of the IT Act and the Indian Penal Code.

How to Protect Yourself From Such Scams

This incident offers important lessons that everyone—especially senior citizens—should remember:

• Don’t trust search engine results blindly: Customer care numbers found on Google may be fake. Scammers often push their numbers to the top using SEO tricks. Always use the official website or app of the company.
• Never share sensitive information: No bank or genuine travel portal will ever ask for card details, CVV, or OTP over phone or WhatsApp.
• Be wary of WhatsApp communication: Refunds and official support are usually handled via verified apps, emails, or secure portals—not WhatsApp chats.
• Avoid panic and urgency: Scammers create fear by saying your booking will be canceled or your money will be lost. Stay calm and verify through official channels only.

This Mumbai incident is a stark reminder that a moment of trust in the digital world can cost a lifetime of savings. Staying alert, verifying sources, and protecting personal financial information are the strongest defenses against cyber fraud. Stay cautious, stay informed, and stay safe.