Scammers Exploit Kumbh Mela with Fake Booking Websites

Introduction

One such sacred gathering in India is the Kumbh Mela festival. Thousands of tourists throng here from all around the world, but the event often becomes a playing ground for scamsters as well, and these scamsters set up a website to create a false reservation system to attract the unsuspecting traveller. Here's how this works for fake Birla Dharamshala websites.

Fraudulent Websites and Their Operations

A web of suspicious sites was identified; these sites had exactly the same identical names while providing accommodation in Birla Dharamshala. Among such sites included;

Our Investigation and Conversation with the Scammer

As a part of our research, we directly communicated with the scammer to gather relevant information. Screenshots of our conversation reveal their modus operandi, which includes shared payment details, fake claims, and assurance of booking confirmation.

Displays a fake website falsely claiming to offer hotel room bookings.

These domains appear to be run by one entity or group of people to scam users through the mimicry of legitimate accommodation services. They use WhatsApp APIs and direct payment methods to reach out to the victims and make fraudulent money collection.

Shows the WhatsApp API link.

Domains are locked with denial statuses to prohibit their unauthorized deletion, update, or transfer. Different providers of registering domains: GoDaddy, HOSTINGER, Domainshype. Management in similar manners would easily help oversee domains.

Shows the domain information.

The Scam Unfolded

These scammers present themselves as showing legitimacy in dealing through many means of contacting them and getting their payments done through different kinds of payments. Such important points have been enlisted:

Before making payment, the scammer would issue greatly discounted offers to the victims for rooms. Once the payment is made, no communication is further received and the victim does not get a booking and the amount is also lost.

Displays WhatsApp details provided by the scammer

Shows a conversation about booking details.

These conversations helps in uncovering key information regarding the person or group behind the scam, including hosting platforms and payment channels. The evidence gathered provides insights into how such frauds work, and this is an opportunity to increase awareness and help the authorities track down the offenders.

Displays the bank details shared by the scammer.

Displays all WhatsApp numbers linked to the domains mentioned.

The caller had explained to the victim the payment processing procedure, such as UPI IDs and bank account details. This scam site also offered fake transaction screenshots for the victim to feel legitimate. The above proof shows how wrongly they were thinking and gives some useful information about their business.

Displays the bank details shared by the scammer.

Common Features of Fake Booking Websites

The fake websites exhibit the following features:

Harm of Such Scams

Not only does it make a loss for the individual but also worries about the schedule of visiting when a person plans each trip. The fraudsters take advantage of the trust and urgency of travelers booking rooms at that time when people come in large numbers for festivals like Kumbh Mela.

How a Cybersecurity Company Like Foresiet Can Help

Foresiet being a top company in cybersecurity serves as a mainstay in halting fraudulent dealings, especially those that take place during big-ticket events such as Kumbh Mela.

Foresiet offers strong cybersecurity solutions that help to protect people and organizations from online fraud, which increases manifold during high-profile events like Kumbh Mela.

Preventive Measures for Travelers

Travellers can take innumerable preventive measures for their safety while traveling. One of the essential preventative measures is to check whether the booking information is genuine or not. A person must cross-check information on websites with official sources or directly with the hotel. Travellers should not remit money into private accounts or unknown UPI IDs, as accurate businesses use safe and transparent payment gateways.

Conducting in-depth research by looking at the reviews on the platforms one trusts is another practical method of ensuring that services are reliable. Lastly, sticking to reputed booking platforms such as Booking.com, MakeMyTrip, or Agoda can help assure safe and secure transactions.

Conclusion

The scam going on in regard to Birla Dharamshala domains shows how one must be careful while booking the accommodations online. Frauds take benefit of the fact that tourists need their accommodations during extreme demand periods, such as a fair like Kumbh Mela, when they are confused and not completely updated. By choosing safe practices and reporting suspicious movements, we can together battle these scams and guard others from being victimized by these deceptive schemes.

About us!

Foresiet is the pioneering force in digital security solutions, offering the first integrated Digital Risk Protection SaaS platform. With 24x7x365 dark web monitoring and proactive threat intelligence, Foresiet safeguards against data breaches and intellectual property theft. Our robust suite includes brand protection, takedown services, and supply chain assessment, enhancing your organization's defense mechanisms. Attack surface management is a key component of our approach, ensuring comprehensive protection across all vulnerable points. Compliance is assured through adherence to ISO27001, NIST, GDPR, PCI, SOX, HIPAA, SAMA, CITC, and Third Party regulations. Additionally, our advanced antiphishing shield provides unparalleled protection against malicious emails. Trust Foresiet to empower your organization to navigate the digital landscape securely and confidently.