Daijiworld Media Network- Goa
Goa, Jan 21: Goa Police has uncovered a “multi-crore scam” involving fraudulent listings of non-existent villas and rental properties on popular online booking platforms. Four suspects have been arrested for allegedly duping at least 500 tourists through this scheme.
Modus operandi
The scam operated through unverified property listings on well-known booking platforms. The accused posed as property managers and used fake photographs, some taken from YouTube or other sources, to advertise villas at attractive prices. Tourists were lured into making advance payments directly to the scammers rather than through the platforms.
North Goa SP Akshat Kaushal explained, “The transactions were not processed through the websites. Customers were asked to contact the property managers directly after booking unverified listings, making it easier for the scammers to execute their fraud.”
Initial complaints and investigations
The scam came to light when a Chandigarh resident filed a complaint after being conned out of Rs 20,000 while booking a property named "Ruby Villa." Upon reaching Goa, the tourist discovered that the villa did not exist. An FIR was subsequently registered under section 318 (4) of the BNS Act for cheating.
Investigations revealed a larger conspiracy, with police finding evidence of over 500 tourists being contacted by the accused after initial bookings. SP Kaushal noted, “The accused leveraged customers’ urgency to secure bookings, convincing many to pay advances ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000. The relatively small amounts helped them stay under the radar for a long time.”
Arrests and operational details
The arrested individuals, identified as Saurabh, Sayed Ali Mukhtar, Mohammad Firoz, and Mohd Azharuddin Saif, were apprehended from Hyderabad and Jaipur.
Police revealed that the accused had prior experience in Goa’s rental business and exploited their knowledge to create credible-looking listings. Operating from a rented room in Hyderabad, they employed women telephone operators to build trust with victims.
Exploitation of platform loopholes
The gang exploited weaknesses in booking platforms that allowed unverified listings, bypassing payment protections typically provided by these websites. They used digital payment systems linked to multiple bank accounts to collect advance payments.
Ongoing investigation
SP Kaushal stated that the investigation is ongoing to determine the total number of victims and the full extent of the scam. He also urged booking platforms to address vulnerabilities that allowed such fraudulent activities to occur.
Tourists are advised to verify property listings and use secure payment channels provided by booking platforms to avoid falling prey to similar scams.