15 held in holiday package scam that allegedly cheated customers of Rs 22 lakh

Gachibowli police have apprehended 15 holiday consultants for allegedly cheating customers through deceptive holiday membership schemes. The investigation began after a Hyderabad resident complained of losing Rs 3.40 lakh, with police identifying 19 victims who allegedly lost nearly Rs 22 lakh.

Hyderabad: The Gachibowli police have busted an alleged holiday membership fraud and apprehended 15 holiday consultants for cheating customers through deceptive marketing campaigns.

According to police, the company, The Pacific Holiday World, deployed marketing executives at shopping malls and commercial establishments to distribute gift coupons and collect visitors’ contact details.

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“Prospective customers were later invited to promotional meetings at star hotels where they were persuaded to purchase expensive holiday memberships with promises of luxury stays at five-star destinations in India and abroad,” said the police.

The cheating came to light after a man, Vutturi Swaraj, made a complaint alleging that he was induced to purchase a holiday package by paying Rs 3.40 lakh through his HDFC Bank credit card on July 16. After receiving the payment, the company allegedly failed to provide the promised services and stopped responding to his calls.

Acting on the complaint, police conducted verification and traced the organizers to rented flats in Kondapur. Fifteen consultants from different states were nabbed.

During the preliminary investigation, police identified 19 victims who were allegedly cheated of nearly Rs 22 lakh. Further investigation is underway to identify additional victims.