Kachiguda man loses Rs 2.42 lakh to fake cruise booking and Lakshadweep permit fraud
As per the police complaint, on December 26, 2025, while browsing Google, the victim found a website claiming to offer cruise journeys to Kochi, Lakshadweep and Mumbai.
By Newsmeter Network
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Hyderabad: A resident of Kachiguda lost more than Rs 2 lakh to scammers pretending to offer cruise journeys to Kochi, Lakshadweep and Mumbai.
Victim found cruise bookings on Google
As per the police complaint, on December 26, 2025, while browsing Google, the victim found a website claiming to offer cruise journeys to Kochi, Lakshadweep and Mumbai.
Believing it to be genuine, he booked a cruise for four persons and paid an initial advance of Rs 23,680. As he could not transfer the amount in one transaction, the accused instructed him to make multiple payments.
Scammers demanded more money for ‘Lakshadweep permit letters’
Later, on the pretext of obtaining Lakshadweep permit letters, he was induced to pay additional amounts in several instalments, including charges for two children. The accused repeatedly cited technical issues and assured refunds at the time of checkout to collect more money.
Subsequently, they falsely claimed payment failures and cancelled the booking without any valid reason.
Thereafter, they demanded Rs 48,500 as cancellation charges, promising a refund of the total amount, which is when he realised her has been cheated.
The victim was contacted through WhatsApp by persons posing as Cordelia customer care executives and suffered a loss of Rs 2,42,488 in total due to cheating and fraud.
A case has been registered and an investigation is underway.
Public advisory
• Always book cruise packages only through the official website or authorised travel agents of the service provider.
• Be cautious of websites found through search results or advertisements that ask for advance payments in multiple instalments.
• Do not make payments for permit letters, children's charges or add-ons unless they are clearly mentioned in the official booking confirmation.
• Never trust claims of technical issues, payment failures or assured refunds used to demand repeated payments.
• Genuine companies do not demand cancellation charges upfront to process refunds.
• Verify customer care numbers from the official website only and avoid relying on WhatsApp communications.
• Report cyber frauds immediately on the 1930 helpline or www.cybercrime.gov.in
• In case of any emergency of cyber fraud, please call or WhatsApp 8712665171.
• Follow these links for the latest cyber awareness updates.
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