Bhubaneswar, 1 July (H.S.): As the Puri Rath Yatra draws thousands of devotees and tourists from across the country, the Cyber Crime Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Crime Branch, Odisha, has issued an urgent advisory warning the public against a surge in fake hotel websites designed to defraud unsuspecting travelers.

According to a press release issued by the CID CB, cyber criminals are creating fraudulent websites that closely mimic legitimate hotel booking platforms in appearance, branding, and even URL structure. These fake portals often appear at the top of search engine results and lure users by offering steep discounts on hotel bookings in Puri.

The scam typically targets tourists who are urgently looking for accommodation and are attracted by discounted rates. Once the victim is convinced of the website’s authenticity, the fraudsters demand full advance payment via UPI, digital wallets, or bank transfers. Victims are then sent fake booking confirmations, leading to major financial losses.

The CID’s Social Media Team, Cyber Crime Unit, has been on high alert this year, especially in light of multiple cases reported during last year’s festival. In a proactive operation launched on June 22, 2025, the team has already identified 23 fake hotel websites, of which 15 have been blocked, and action is underway for the remaining.

The drive will continue until the conclusion of Sunabesh, the return journey of the chariots.

In addition to crackdown efforts, the Cyber Crime Unit is issuing regular alerts and awareness messages through its official cyber safety handles. Citizens are urged to follow @cybercopodisha on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for timely updates, safety tips, and scam warnings.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda