A 33-year-old software engineer from northeast Bengaluru was allegedly cheated of ₹11.5 lakh in an online travel scam while trying to book a holiday to Europe.
Police said the woman, a resident of Thanisandra working in a private firm, came across a travel page on Facebook and contacted it for booking enquiries.
Fake travel offer leads to multiple payments
According to her complaint, the suspects shared details of a Europe travel package and convinced her that the process was genuine.
They allegedly contacted her through multiple phone numbers and asked for payments under various pretexts, including visa processing, flight bookings and accommodation.
Trusting the offer, the woman reportedly transferred a total of ₹12.77 lakh in multiple transactions.
Trip cancelled, refund denied
After completing the payments, the woman sought confirmation of her trip.
The suspects allegedly informed her that the trip had been cancelled. When she demanded a refund, only ₹1.18 lakh was returned.
The remaining amount was not refunded despite repeated requests, leading her to suspect fraud.
Police register case
The Northeast Cybercrime Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to trace those involved and uncover the operation.
Officials have urged the public to verify travel agencies and avoid making payments to unverified sources online.
Growing concern over online scams
Cybercrime cases involving fake travel bookings and online fraud have been rising, especially through social media platforms and messaging apps.