Six youths lose Rs. 3.60 lakh in online Goa trip booking scam

Mysuru: Planning a holiday online? Beware of fraudsters. Six youths from the city lost Rs. 3.60 lakh after falling prey to an online scam while trying to book accommodation and a casino  package in Goa.

According to a complaint lodged at Nazarbad Police Station on Aug. 28, R. Mahadeva of Giriyabovi Palya and five of his friends were planning a trip to Goa when they came across information about the popular ‘Big Daddy Casino’ on Facebook.

On July 21, Mahadeva received a WhatsApp audio call from a man named Suhas, who claimed to be a travel agent in Goa. Suhas offered to arrange luxury accommodation and casino access for the group for Rs. 3 lakh.

He assured Mahadeva that the package would include VIP treatment at ‘Big Daddy Casino’, including VIP rooms, a separate table and food arrangements.

Mahadeva initially told Suhas that they would make their own arrangements after reaching Goa. However, Suhas allegedly insisted that VIP treatment could be provided only if it was booked in advance.

Mahadeva discussed the offer with his friends, who agreed to make the payment. Suhas then asked for their Aadhaar card details, which  Mahadeva provided.

On July 23 at 9.17 am, Mahadeva called Suhas and informed him that the group would leave for Goa that evening and reach there on July 24. Suhas then sent bank account details for the payment.

Believing him, Mahadeva transferred Rs. 3 lakh to the account provided by Suhas. Later, Suhas called again and claimed that the package cost had increased to Rs. 5 lakh. He demanded an additional Rs. 60,000 from Mahadeva.

Trusting him again, Mahadeva transferred the additional amount. However, when he tried to contact Suhas later, his mobile phone was switched off.

Realising that they had been cheated, Mahadeva and his friends approached Nazarbad Police Station and lodged a complaint.