Travel Scams: Victims Lose ₹30 Lakhs to Visa Frauds

In a concerning incident in Chandigarh, three victims fell prey to a travel scam, losing a total of 30 lakh rupees to fraudulent visa promises. The victims had been lured by an advertisement claiming to provide quick and easy visa processing for overseas travel. Once they engaged with the scammers, they were manipulated into paying substantial amounts under various pretexts, such as processing fees and documentation charges.

The victims reported that the scammers were highly convincing, presenting themselves as legitimate agents and assuring them of successful visa acquisition. Initially, they received fake documents and promises, which led the victims to believe that their applications were being processed. However, as the process continued, communication from the agents dwindled, and the victims soon realized they had been duped when no visas were issued.

Upon discovering the scam, the victims filed a complaint with local authorities, prompting an investigation into the fraudulent activities. The police have emphasized the importance of verifying the legitimacy of travel agencies and their promises before making any financial commitments. They are currently working to track down the scammers and are urging others who may have fallen victim to similar schemes to come forward.

This incident highlights the growing prevalence of travel scams, particularly those targeting individuals seeking visas for international travel. Authorities are urging potential travelers to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before engaging with any visa processing services. The case serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in financial transactions, especially when dealing with online offers that seem too good to be true.