Kerala has recently witnessed a surge in fraudulent online hotel-booking cases, especially in popular tourist hubs like Kochi and Kumarakom. With the peak inbound tourism season approaching, this has raised serious concerns for both domestic and international visitors. The Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) has therefore issued a strict advisory urging travellers to stay alert and avoid falling victim to cyber scams that target unsuspecting tourists.
KTM President Jose Pradeep explained that scammers have been contacting travellers who already hold genuine hotel reservations. These fraudsters reach out through phone calls or WhatsApp messages, pretending to represent the hotel. By using convincing language and fake identification cards, they create an impression of authenticity, making guests believe the requests are legitimate.
The scammers typically demand advance payments, claiming that bookings will be cancelled if the money is not paid immediately. In other cases, they tempt guests with fake “upgraded rooms” at higher prices, urging them to pay through QR codes or suspicious payment links. Several travellers have already reported losing significant amounts of money through such traps, prompting KTM to step in with a strong warning.
To protect tourists, KTM strongly advises travellers to directly call the hotel’s official landline or verified mobile number before transferring any money. This simple step can prevent most cases of fraud. They also recommend avoiding payments made through random QR codes, unofficial links, or unknown numbers that do not match the hotel’s official contact list.
Along with cautioning travellers, KTM has also urged hotels and resorts to strengthen their digital security. They have advised properties to monitor the misuse of their websites, booking vouchers, and official documents, ensuring they are not replicated by scammers to deceive guests. Hotels have also been encouraged to clearly communicate their payment protocols to customers.
Established in 2000, the Kerala Travel Mart Society is the state’s largest network of tourism stakeholders. Their proactive warning highlights the need for heightened awareness during the busy travel season. As Kerala continues to attract global travellers, preventing online fraud is essential for ensuring visitor safety and maintaining the state’s reputation as a trusted tourism destination.