Kerala Police Caution: Cyber Fraud Surge via Fake KTDC Hotel Booking Sites
The Kerala Police have issued a public advisory warning citizens about a surge in cyber fraud involving fake websites impersonating the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). Such scams can lead to significant financial loss and compromise personal data. These fraudulent sites are designed to trick individuals searching for hotel bookings through the state-run tourism body.
According to the advisory, fraudsters use search engine keywords such as "KTDC Stay," "KTDC Hotels," "KTDC Booking," and "KTDC Resort" to attract potential victims. The fake websites closely mimic the official KTDC portal in design and layout, making it difficult for the average user to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent platforms.
During the booking process, customers are prompted to enter sensitive financial information, including mobile numbers, debit or credit card numbers, expiry dates, CVV codes, and one-time passwords (OTPs) received on their phones. Once submitted, fraudsters can access victims' bank accounts or cards and illegally withdraw significant sums.
To lend credibility to the scam, the fake websites generate and display fraudulent booking receipts. This gives victims the false impression that their reservation has been successfully completed, often delaying the discovery of the fraud.
The police caution that websites appearing at the top of Google search results or those marked as "Sponsored" or "Ad" may not be official. Fraudsters often use domain names with slight misspellings, such as substituting a number for a letter or adding extra words like "book" or "reservation". Users are advised to carefully verify the URL before making any payment. Additionally, users should look for the padlock icon in the address bar and ensure the website URL begins with "https://", indicating a secure connection. Common signs of a fake website include poor grammar, missing contact details, and requests for excessive personal information. The official KTDC website has a clear privacy policy and uses a secure payment gateway.
The advisory also urges the public not to share banking credentials, UPI PINs, or OTPs on suspicious websites. Hotel bookings should be made only through KTDC's official website (www.ktdc.com), its mobile application, or other authorised booking platforms. Customers should verify the authenticity of contact numbers provided on booking websites by cross-referencing with KTDC's official social media pages or customer care. KTDC's official website also lists authorised booking partners and direct hotel contact numbers, which users are encouraged to use.
In case of cyber financial fraud, victims are advised to immediately report the incident by calling the national cyber helpline at 1930 or by filing a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in. The helpline operates 24/7 and can assist with freezing fraudulent transactions. Victims should also contact their bank immediately to block their card or account to prevent further loss.
The Kerala Police continue to monitor such fraudulent activities and urge the public to remain vigilant. The advisory was disseminated through the Kerala Police's official social media channels and press releases. Official KTDC bookings can be made via their verified website and app. Any suspicious websites or phishing attempts should be reported to the cybercrime portal for investigation.
