Planning a vacation to some unknown destination is challenging and therefore most people prefer travel agencies to have a stress-free & seamless experience.
But what if it gives you an opposite experience?
This is something that happened in Kerala travel scam.
A fake travel agency lured people by offering cheap travel packages, turning their dream getaway into a financial nightmare.
A travel agency near Chettikulangara lured customers with irresistible tour packages, collected hefty payments, and then disappeared without a trace.
As more victims came forward, authorities uncovered a well-planned scam that serves as a cautionary tale for anyone booking a trip.
The Scam: How It Unfolded
A travel agency operating near Chettikulangara offered lucrative travel deals, including an all-inclusive 15-day tour to northern states with luxury accommodations.
Dr. Jithu Godwin, a resident of Nanthancode, paid ₹85,000 for the package, expecting a seamless trip.
However, as the departure date neared, the agency stopped responding, and the trip never materialized.
When Dr. Godwin reported the scam, two more victims from Thiruvananthapuram came forward with similar complaints.
The Vanchiyoor police registered a case against the branch manager and a staff member for orchestrating the fraud.
A Larger Pattern: Travel Frauds on the Rise
Travel scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting unsuspecting tourists with fake tour packages, non-existent hotel bookings, and fraudulent online agencies.
The Kerala travel scam is just one example of a growing trend across India.
Fake Travel Agencies and Tour Packages
Scammers often set up temporary travel agencies, offer luxury tour packages at heavily discounted rates, and disappear after collecting advance payments.
These scams target families, honeymooners, and budget travelers looking for affordable deals.
In another case, a fraudulent travel agency in Mumbai promised European tour packages at 40% lower prices than competitors.
Travelers paid lakhs in advance, only to find out their visas were never processed and their flight tickets were fake.
Fake Hotel Booking Websites
Fraudsters also create fake websites that look identical to real hotel booking platforms.
In 2023, a man from Delhi lost ₹1.2 lakh after booking a 5-star resort through a cloned website that mimicked a popular travel portal.
The contact numbers and email IDs listed were fake, and the resort had no record of his reservation.
The Rising Threat of Online Travel Scams
With the rise of digital payments, scammers are using phishing websites, fake social media ads, and even WhatsApp messages to lure victims.
Some fraudsters pose as travel agents, sending “limited-time offers” via email or SMS, pressuring travelers to make instant bookings.
Once the money is transferred, the agents become unreachable.
These scams highlight the need for extra vigilance, especially when booking trips online. Before making any payment, it’s crucial to verify the authenticity of travel agencies and websites to avoid financial losses.
How to Protect Yourself from Travel Scams
If you’re planning a trip, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Verify Before You Book – Research travel agencies and tour operators. Check for their reviews and licenses.
- Use Secure Payment Methods – Avoid cash payments or direct transfers to personal accounts. Use credit cards or payment gateways that offer buyer protection.
- Get Everything in Writing – Ensure you receive official confirmation, including itineraries and payment receipts.
- Be Skeptical of Unrealistic Deals – If a package sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Report it Immediately – Once you identify the scam, take immediate action and check platforms to report online frauds in India.
Stay Cautious, Travel Smart
Travel scams can ruin not just a vacation but also one’s financial well-being.
As fraudsters become more sophisticated, staying informed and cautious is the best way to avoid falling into their traps.
Before you book your next trip, take an extra step to verify and protect yourself—because a little caution goes a long way.
In case you have been trapped in any of such scams, feel free to fill in the details below and we will assist you in reporting a case to respective authorities.
