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.
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Will Virat overcome run drought on RCB’s home turf in RR clash
23rd April 2025
Live Relief for Former Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling in POCSO Case
23rd April 2025
Live Meghalaya Govt to Replace Rusted Electric Poles and Outsated Conductors Statewide to Boost Public Safety
23rd April 2025
Live “Felt Like Being Hunted…”: Survivor Nishant Bhattacharjee from Assam Recounts Pahalgam Terror Horror
23rd April 2025
WE RECOMMEND
Relief for Former Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling in POCSO Case
The case was filed by the State of Sikkim under various provisions of the POCSO Act, 2012 and the IPC.
23rd April 2025
Sikkim Records 811 Suicides in 3 Years From 2022 to 2024: Official Data
Sikkim, one of the smallest states in India in terms of both population and area, has one of the highest suicide rates in the country.
22nd April 2025
Beware of That Job Ad. Sikkim Woman Loses Rs 6 Lakh to Fake Work-From-Home Job Offer
After realising that the job was fake and she had been cheated, the woman immediately filed a complaint with the police.
20th April 2025
Sikkim’s Ru-Soam Bridge Set for UNESCO Collaboration, Cultural Recognition
Constructed entirely from wild cane and bamboo, the Ru-Soam bridges are a remarkable example of sustainable, handmade infrastructure.
18th April 2025
Sikkim MP D T Lepcha Proposes Tea Factory at Indo-China Border Safung, Gnathang-Machong to Boost Economy
Although construction has not yet started, authorities are aiming to complete the project within the next three years.
17th April 2025