Puri Police Shut Down 50 Fake Hotel Booking Websites, 42 Mobile Numbers to Crack Down on Cyber Fraud

Planning to book a hotel online for your next trip to Puri? Be careful! Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting tourists through fake hotel booking websites and fraudulent mobile numbers, cheating people in the name of hotel reservations.

In a major crackdown on online booking fraud, Puri Police have shut down 50 fake hotel booking websites and deactivated 42 mobile numbers allegedly used by cybercriminals to cheat tourists.

According to information, Puri Cyber Police Station has taken action against these fraudulent platforms since August 2026. The operation aims to protect tourists from online scams and prevent cybercriminals from exploiting people looking for hotel accommodation.

The police campaign against fake hotel booking networks is ongoing.

How Are Cybercriminals Cheating Tourists?

Cyber fraudsters create fake hotel booking websites that resemble genuine accommodation platforms to attract unsuspecting tourists.

People searching for hotels online often come across these fraudulent websites and are lured by seemingly attractive booking offers. Once tourists show interest, fraudsters collect money in the name of advance payments or hotel reservations and subsequently disappear.

Fake mobile numbers are also used as part of the operation. This makes it difficult for tourists to distinguish between genuine hotel representatives and cybercriminals.

As a result, victims not only lose their money but may also face last-minute accommodation problems, disrupting their holiday plans.

Police Shut Down 50 Fake Websites and 42 Mobile Numbers

Taking the growing threat of online hotel booking fraud seriously, Puri Cyber Police have intensified surveillance and action against fraudulent websites and mobile numbers.

As part of the crackdown, 50 fake hotel booking websites have been shut down and 42 mobile numbers allegedly used for fraudulent activities have been deactivated since August 2026.

The action is being seen as a significant step towards disrupting the network involved in online hotel reservation scams.

However, identifying the individuals operating these fake websites and tracing the wider cyber fraud network remain important aspects of the investigation.

Puri Police Issue Safety Advisory for Tourists

To protect tourists from online hotel booking scams, police have advised people to follow these precautions:

1. Always book hotels through authorised and trusted websites.
2. Avoid clicking on suspicious or unknown links.
3. Verify the hotel’s contact number and physical address before making reservations.
4. Never transfer money to unknown bank accounts without proper verification.

Awareness Is the Best Protection Against Cyber Fraud

With online hotel booking becoming increasingly popular, cybercriminals are finding new ways to exploit unsuspecting travellers.

Puri Police’s latest crackdown is an important step towards protecting tourists from fraudulent booking networks. However, a major question remains: Will the police be able to identify and take action against the masterminds operating these fake websites and mobile numbers?

For tourists planning a visit to Puri, exercising caution while making online hotel reservations is essential.