Mumbai: A businesswoman from Lower Parel fell victim to a ₹3.78 lakh online scam while attempting to book tent accommodations and flight tickets for the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Following her complaint, the N M Joshi Marg Police Station has registered a case and launched an investigation.
According to the police, the 55-year-old victim runs a furniture business and was planning to attend the Mahakumbh with her husband. On February 7, 2025, she searched for online tent bookings and came across a website, www.Tentcitymahakumbh.org, which displayed a contact number. When she called, the scammer requested the names and Aadhaar details of six travelers and even sent a property catalog offering VIP tent bookings upon payment.
The woman first transferred ₹35,000 to an account under the name “UP State Tourism” for the tent booking. On February 8, the scammer offered discounted flight tickets for six travelers at ₹2,61,990 and insisted on full advance payment. She transferred ₹1 lakh from her account, while a friend paid ₹75,000.
On February 10, she made an additional payment of ₹30,500, while her friend paid ₹90,500. Despite paying ₹3.78 lakh, the scammers claimed the flight tickets were canceled due to delayed payment and demanded another ₹93,018. She transferred ₹47,000, but her friend refused further payment and requested a refund.
When they received no tickets or further response, the woman realized she had been duped and approached the police. The N M Joshi Marg police have registered a fraud case and are actively investigating the cybercriminals behind the scam.
