Fake cruise booking fraud costs Hyderabad man ₹2.42 lakh, cyber police issue advisory

Hyderabad: Cyber fraudsters cheated a Kachiguda resident of ₹2.42 lakh in a cruise booking scam by using a fake website and posing as customer care executives. Following the incident, cyber police issued a public advisory.

According to the complaint, the victim found a website on December 26, 2025, while browsing Google. The site claimed to offer cruise journeys to Kochi, Lakshadweep, and Mumbai. Believing it to be genuine, the victim booked a cruise package for four people and paid an advance of ₹23,680.

Cyber police said the fraudsters later asked the victim to make multiple payments. They cited technical issues that allegedly prevented a single transaction. Subsequently, they demanded more money in instalments under the pretext of arranging Lakshadweep permit letters and charges for two children.

Officials said the accused continued to seek payments by claiming transaction failures and promising refunds at checkout. Later, they cancelled the booking without valid reasons. They then demanded ₹48,500 as cancellation charges while assuring a full refund.

Cruise booking fraud involved fake customer care calls

Cyber police said the fraudsters contacted the victim through WhatsApp while impersonating Cordelia Cruises customer care executives. In total, the victim suffered a loss of ₹2,42,488, officials added.

The Cyber Crime Police Station Hyderabad registered a case and launched an investigation to trace the accused and track the money trail.

Meanwhile, police urged citizens to book cruise packages only through official websites or authorised travel agents. They warned against booking through links found in search results or advertisements that demand advance payments in instalments.

Police said genuine companies do not demand separate payments for permit letters, children charges, or add-ons unless clearly stated in official confirmations. They also cautioned the public against claims of technical issues, payment failures, or assured refunds used to extract repeated payments.

Citizens were advised to verify customer care numbers only from official websites and avoid relying on WhatsApp communications. Cyber police urged victims to report fraud immediately through the 1930 helpline or the national cybercrime portal.