The verified hotel list has been circulated through Puri Police’s official social media platforms along with advisories carrying comprehensive information on accommodation facilities.
Ratha Yatra Preparations: Verified hotel list released to prevent online booking scam: Puri police on Friday released a list of verified hotels to protect tourists from online booking fraud during Ratha Yatra. This initiative aims to ensure a hassle-free stay for tourists in the pilgrim town.
Puri Superintendent of Police (SP) Prateek Singh advised tourists to exercise caution while making online bookings and rely only on the details shared by the police. He also urged visitors to confirm their reservations only through authentic channels before making any payment.
The list contains 77 verified hotels’ official websites, email addresses and contact numbers, allowing devotees to make reservations directly with the establishments and avoid fraudulent booking platforms. The advisory comes amid a rise in cyber fraud involving fake hotel booking websites targeting pilgrims ahead of the annual festival. According to police, fraudsters have been creating websites impersonating reputed hotels in Puri and luring visitors with attractive offers and discounted tariffs before duping them.
The verified hotel list has been circulated through Puri Police’s official social media platforms along with advisories carrying comprehensive information on accommodation facilities. Police have warned people against booking rooms through third-party links offering suspiciously low prices and cautioned them against transferring money to unknown bank accounts or UPI IDs.
Police said they have so far taken down more than 40 fake hotel booking websites and email IDs allegedly operated by cybercriminals targeting devotees visiting the seaside town for Rath Yatra.
As part of a broader cyber awareness drive, police have also been warning visitors about fake hotel booking portals, fraudulent donation links and phishing attempts. They have shared a WhatsApp chatbot number, 8763199400, and the emergency helpline number, 112 to report any fraud or crime.
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