Don’t Lose Your Money Booking Hotels Online: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
As 2023 draws to a close, many people start planning short winter vacations in December. If you’re also considering a getaway, we have something important to tell you. Online hotel fraud is now a growing concern, with scammers taking advantage of travelers’ excitement to trick them.
In fact, a recent report revealed that more than 100 tourists have lost their money to online hotel fraud while booking accommodation in Puri through fake websites. Online fraudsters typically set up fake websites in the names of various hotels in Puri and lure victims with attractive discounts on holiday packages as part of their strategy.
According to the Crime Branch, a fake website called hotelspuri.net has been identified which shows 304 hotels as booking options. The location of the site is reported to be outside the state of Odisha. The authorities have already launched an investigation into the case.
Scammers use attractive prices to lure victims into their traps. They try to pressure you into booking a room immediately by claiming that the deal is ending or that there are only a limited number of rooms available.
How to protect yourself from online hotel fraud
– For hotel reservations, you can make reservations from well-known platforms such as TripAdvisor, Agoda, Booking.com or MakeMyTrip for hotel reservations.
– These platforms have partnerships with hotels and confirmed listings.
– You can also book a hotel room directly on the hotel’s official website or by calling the hotel directly.
– Check the hotel’s official website and read reviews from trusted sources.
– Find contact information and check if the hotel is legitimate.
– If you can’t find relevant information about the hotel, don’t book.
– Avoid clicking on links or attachments in unsolicited emails about hotel offers.
– Only enter your payment information on secure websites.
– Use a strong password for your booking platform account.
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