SHILLONG, Jan 23: With Meghalaya experiencing a surge in tourism, reports of travellers being scammed under the pretense of hotel bookings have surfaced in Shillong and other parts of the state. These scams, however, are not unique to Meghalaya, as similar fraudulent activities are being reported across various states in India, targeting unsuspecting visitors.
The scammers’ modus operandi involves stealing legitimate hotel room photos from reputable websites and posting them along with fake contact details on unverified platforms. Pretending to be hotel representatives, the fraudsters lure tourists by offering luxurious accommodations at suspiciously low prices. Upon arriving at their supposed destinations, the tourists are shocked to find that no bookings exist in their names.
Parambir Singh Sehdave, president of the Federation of Shillong Hotels, confirmed the prevalence of such scams in the region. He stated that the Federation has already brought the issue to the attention of the state government. However, despite multiple FIRs being lodged, authorities have yet to make any arrests.
Adding to the concern, scammers are increasingly using digital transaction spoof apps to deceive victims into believing that payments have been successfully processed. In reality, no money is transferred, as these apps merely generate fake payment confirmations. The ease of access to such apps further complicates efforts to combat the fraud.
A few years ago, the Tourism department issued an advisory warning tourists about fraudulent websites impersonating legitimate hotel portals. Despite these efforts, the scam continues to impact visitors.
Tourists have also raised concerns over difficulties navigating the state due to inaccuracies in Google Maps. In one recent incident, a couple from Kolkata struggled to find their homestay in Golf Links after an exhausting journey from Guwahati. Unfamiliar with the area, the couple faced considerable challenges, even with the assistance of their cab driver.
Similar incidents have occurred in Shillong, where Google Maps has directed vehicles onto non-motorable roads, leaving tourists stranded.
Parambir Singh Sehdave acknowledged the navigation issues and noted that problems often arise when roads, such as no-entry zones, are not updated on Google Maps. He highlighted the importance of regular updates to improve navigation accuracy for tourists.
As the number of visitors to Meghalaya continues to grow, the state government and local tourism industry are under increasing pressure to address these issues and ensure a safe, seamless, and enjoyable experience for travelers.
