Team Herald
PANJIM: Many tourists who book hotels in Goa are often left shell shocked to discover that they have been duped by unscrupulous elements. Travel plans for cost-efficient deals can at times backfire as often the reviews portrayed on the net are fake. Such online frauds of travellers getting duped are becoming quite common and mar the reputation of the touristic State, say police.
Pointing out that several fake websites impersonating genuine hotels and resorts are being used to deceive tourists during the online booking process, the Cyber Crime Cell of Goa police has written to Goa Hotel and Restaurants Association (GHRA) and Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) to alert stakeholders associated with them.
In an advisory, Rahul Gupta, IPS, SP, Cyber Crime, said," It has come to our attention that fake websites impersonating genuine hotels and resorts are being used to deceive tourists during the online booking process. Such fraudulent activities not only cause financial loss to visitors and but also damage the reputation of the establishment."
"We strongly recommend that each hotel and resort under the Hotel Association of Goa direct their technical team to conduct a weekly check on the internet to identify any fake websites using their establishment's name."
"In case a suspicious website is identified, we urge you to immediately notify the Cyber Crime Police Station through www.cybercrime.gov.in and also report the same by calling on +91-8668989374. Prompt reporting will enable us to take down such websites," Gupta said.