Kerala Travel Mart Society (KTM), India’s premier tourism and hospitality industry body, has cautioned travellers coming to the state against being cheated by online fraudsters, citing cases of people being duped by leading travel-agency websites, especially in Kochi and Kumaraokom.

In a statement, KTM President Shri Jose Pradeep urged international tourists and domestic holidaymakers to be “extremely cautious” about online deals as the inbound tourism season begins.

There have been cases of fraudsters trying to mislead and extort guests who have already made room reservations, through phone calls or text messages, particularly in major destinations like Kochi and Kumarakom.

These fraudsters try to force the guests to pay an advance payment. Guests who disagree or back out are being threatened with cancellation of their booking or offered higher-category rooms on immediate payment, KTM Society noted.

Fraudsters typically collect money through QR codes or payment links after gaining trust by sending fake ID cards of hotel employees.

“Several tourists have complained of losing huge sums. This has made us ( KTM) issue a message of extreme caution, “Shri Jose Pradeep said.

Before making any payment, it is ideal to call the hotel’s official phone number directly to verify the information’s authenticity, Pradeep said.

KTM warns its member hotels to be vigilant against scams targeting their websites and vouchers.

The 2000-founded KTM is Kerala’s most significant body of stakeholders in the state’s tourism.

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