Gurugram Businessman Loses Rs 1.99 Lakh in Fake Sikkim Resort Booking Scam
First Published: 24th March, 2025 12:07 IST
According to Sabharwal, a resident of DLF New Town Heights, Sector 90, he planned a family trip to Sikkim on March 3.
A businessman from Gurugram lost Rs. 1.99 lakh to cyber fraudsters while trying to book a luxury resort in Sikkim. The scammers tricked him into making multiple online transactions but did not confirm the booking or return the money. The victim, Yuvraj Singh Sabharwal, has filed a complaint at Manesar Cyber Crime Police Station, and authorities have launched an investigation.
According to Sabharwal, a resident of DLF New Town Heights, Sector 90, he planned a family trip to Sikkim on March 3. While searching for a resort online, he found a contact number for JET Luxury Resort on Google. When he called, an individual posing as a resort employee asked him to share booking details on WhatsApp.
Initially, the scammer quoted Rs. 9,809 for the booking. When Sabharwal tried to pay via credit card, the transaction failed, and the amount was refunded. This move gained his trust, making him believe the process was genuine. The fraudster then convinced him to make three payments totalling Rs. 99,154 using another card.
Later, the scammer claimed that an excess amount had been deducted and offered a refund. He asked Sabharwal to provide another bank account for the transaction. Trusting him, Sabharwal shared his sister-in-law’s HDFC bank details. The fraudster then sent a fake credit code, tricking him into authorizing four more transactions, amounting to Rs. 99,154.
In total, cybercriminals siphoned Rs. 1,99,781 from Sabharwal. Realising the fraud, he immediately reported the incident to the police.
Authorities are investigating the case and have urged people to verify hotel contact details before making online payments. They also advise using official websites for bookings and avoiding direct bank transfers to unknown contacts.
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