Tourist Duped of ₹10,000 in Shimla Hotel Booking Scam

Shimla, 15 May – An 82-year-old tourist from Gurgaon, Shri R.C. Girdhar, fell victim to an online hotel booking scam while planning a 10-day stay in Shimla. After posting his requirement on a Facebook group “Himalayan Homestay,” he received a fraudulent offer from one Vinod Rao, claiming to be an agent for Glen View Heritage Homestay Villa.

The agent shared convincing photos of the property and quoted ₹18,000 for the entire stay. Shri Girdhar made an advance payment of ₹10,000 via GPay in three installments. However, upon arrival on 14 May, he was shocked to find that the actual hotel had no booking in his name and denied having any agent named Vinod Rao.

Attempts to contact the agent failed as he blocked Shri Girdhar’s number and is now unreachable. The scam has raised concerns over unregulated homestay listings and the credibility of online travel groups. Shri Girdhar, disheartened, had to return to Gurgaon without his planned vacation.