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Yes, that beachfront room that looks out to the expansive Goan skyline is too pretty to miss. But before you go ahead and click on 'Book Now', take a breather and read this. In January 2025, the Goa police had busted a multi-crore scam operated by individuals posing as hotel operators. These individuals duped unsuspecting tourists by exploiting loopholes on renowned booking platforms. The police arrested four persons from Hyderabad and Jaipur in connection with the scam. An initial investigation by the Goa police revealed that over 500 people were duped by the fraudsters to the tune of crores of rupees.
This should give you a fair idea of how common, and often easy, it is to create and promote fake hotels online. Which is why you need to be very wary before you book a hotel for your next vacation in Goa, or even Italy!

Reverse Image Search: The Photos

Professional, picture-perfect images can be deceiving. Run a reverse image search to see if the same photos are being used by multiple listings in different locations, a classic sign of a scam.Check The Hotel’s Official Website
Even the most basic hotels now have at least a website or a verified listing on trusted platforms like Google Maps. Can’t find a direct website or contact information? That’s a big red flag.

Use Trusted Booking Platforms With Buyer Protection

Do you think Booking.com doesn't have fake listings? Think again. Famous travel vlogger Tanya Khanijow was duped last year when she travelled to Varanasi to celebrate Dev Deepawali and made hotel bookings using Booking.com. She booked two rooms at a property named Astra Luxury Rooms and C, after spending almost ₹26,000, only to find out that the hotel did not exist. In spite of these stories, it makes more sense to book using booking sites that offer customer support and dispute resolution. Avoid making payments outside these platforms, especially wire transfers or unfamiliar payment gateways.

Read Reviews Carefully

We've all gotten WhatsApp messages that tell us how we'll be given 50 rupees for a fake review online. This is why fake listings are also booming. Start simple: check the reviews page. Are the reviews vague (“great place!”) or posted in bulk around the same date? Or do they read like they were copied and pasted? Authentic hotels usually have reviews spread out over time with detailed descriptions. Cross-check reviews on Tripadvisor, Google, and booking sites. Discrepancies between platforms can signal something’s off.

Verify The Address On Maps

Plug the hotel’s address into Google Maps or another reliable mapping service. If the pin leads you to an empty lot, a residential building, or a mismatched location, it’s time to reconsider.

Beware of Unrealistic Prices

Even in the lull season, you'll find it hard to find a good beachfront resort in Goa for less than 3-4K. If you see a price that is too good to be true, it probably is not the right thing. Scammers frequently use irresistible prices to lure travellers.

Contact The Hotel Directly

My friend was once stranded when she reached Lonavala, only to find no address of the homestay she had booked. This is why travellers, especially women, need to call or email the hotel to confirm availability and booking details. A real property will gladly verify information.

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