Elderly Man Scammed of Rs 1 Lakh by Cyber Fraudsters Promising Flight to Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh Mela

A senior citizen from Andheri has fallen victim to a scam involving Rs 1 lakh, under the guise of booking a flight to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela. The Mumbai police have filed a case against unknown individuals, as reported by an official on Tuesday.

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is scheduled to start on January 13 and will end on February 26. The businessman was eager to attend this event in Uttar Pradesh. While browsing online for travel options, he found a website and contacted the number listed there, according to a Versova police station official.

Fraudulent Transactions

The scammers initially requested Rs 14,000 for accommodation for three people. Trusting the offer, the businessman transferred the amount. Shortly after, they inquired if he needed flight tickets from Mumbai to Prayagraj and back, the official stated.

They quoted an additional Rs 87,000 for the flight bookings. Believing them once more, the victim's son transferred the money online. However, they failed to provide any flight tickets, leaving the victims without their promised travel arrangements.

Police Investigation Underway

Upon realising they had been scammed, the businessman approached the police and lodged a complaint. The authorities have registered a case against unidentified individuals and are currently investigating the incident, according to an official.

The incident highlights the need for caution when making online transactions, especially with unfamiliar websites or contacts. The police are urging citizens to verify credentials before transferring money to avoid falling prey to such scams.