Odisha Cracks Down on 46 Fake Hotel Booking Sites Ahead of Rath Yatra

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Odisha Crime Branch has seized 46 fraudulent hotel reservation platforms linked to scams targeting visitors during the Rath Yatra festival in Puri.

Operation Details

The operation involved dismantling cloned websites that deceived tourists through deceptive advance payment schemes, with law enforcement agencies enhancing digital monitoring efforts to safeguard pilgrims. Authorities confirmed the action followed multiple reports from individuals who made online payments for accommodations but found no reservations upon arrival.

Scam Methods and Impact

The fraudulent network exploited the surge in demand for lodging during the religious event, which attracts large crowds to the Shree Jagannath Temple. Investigators identified 46 domains associated with the scheme, with 15 websites taken offline between June 20 and June 22, followed by an additional 11 on June 27. The scam operators replicated legitimate hotel websites to create counterfeit portals, manipulating search engine rankings and deploying misleading advertisements to lure users.

Victims and Financial Losses

These sites offered incentives such as discounted rates, exclusive services, and pilgrimage packages to encourage rapid transactions. Victims often lost access to the platforms after payment or received no communication from the operators. A separate investigation revealed that approximately 30 tourists incurred losses totaling nearly ₹5 lakh in similar booking frauds across the state in the past year, though the true scale of the issue remains unclear due to underreporting.

Authorities’ Response and Advice

Officials emphasized that pilgrims should exclusively use verified booking systems or official hotel websites, avoiding payments through untrusted links or social media sources. To address the threat, cybersecurity teams have escalated monitoring activities ahead of the festival, collaborating with internet service providers to swiftly identify and block suspicious domains. Additional initiatives are being planned to educate travelers about recognizing and avoiding fraudulent booking platforms during major religious gatherings.

Ongoing Efforts and Future Measures

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration previously raised concerns about duplicate websites mimicking official booking services for temple-related accommodations. Law enforcement continues to prioritize measures that protect visitors from financial exploitation while ensuring the safety of religious tourism infrastructure.