Pune: As school holidays begin, many families are planning trips to hill stations like Lonavala and Karjat. Due to the convenience, online bookings have become a popular choice for securing villas, homestays, and adventure activities. However, several tourists have reported being scammed while making online reservations.
Mumbai Oshiwara Police’s Cyber Cell has recently busted a scam network and arrested a 25-year-old youth from Pune for defrauding tourists under the pretense of offering cheap accommodations and water sports packages.
How the Scam Worked
According to police investigations, the accused, Akash Rupkumar Jadhwani, a resident of Ghatkopar, operated a fraudulent online booking network. He lured tourists with attractive discounts on stays and activities in Lonavala-Karjat and convinced them to make advance payments. Once the payments were received, the bookings turned out to be fake, and the victims were left stranded without any accommodation or refund.
Criminal Record and Ongoing Investigation
Police sources confirmed that Jadhwani already has multiple fraud cases registered against him in different police stations across Mumbai. He was tracked and arrested in Pune, following complaints from victims.
The Oshiwara Police Cyber Cell is now investigating the total number of victims and the extent of the financial fraud. Officials have warned the public to be cautious while making online bookings and ensure they verify the authenticity of service providers before making payments.
Authorities Warn Tourists Against Online Frauds
With summer vacations increasing travel demand, the police have issued a warning to tourists to be extra cautious while booking trips online.
Always verify property details on official websites
Avoid making full payments in advance
Check for reviews and ratings before booking
Use only reputed and well-known travel portals