Gangtok: A German tourist’s visit to Sikkim took an unfortunate turn after he became the victim of an online scam involving a fake helicopter booking website falsely operating under the name of reputed service provider “Pawan Hans.”
The tourist, identified as Mark, had been seeking a quicker and more comfortable return route, hoping to avoid the disruptions caused by frequent road closures in the region. In his search for alternatives, he came across a website offering helicopter services and contacted a person listed as “Rajesh Kumar Sharma,” whose number was provided on the page.
Trusting the seemingly professional website, Mark paid Rs. 5,800 to book a ride. However, shortly after the transaction, he was asked to make an additional payment of Rs. 3,900 as an “assurance fee.” When the demands for more money continued without any official booking confirmation or follow-up, Mark realised he had been duped.
He promptly reported the incident to the local police station, seeking action against the fraudulent operation. Sharing his experience, Mark expressed disappointment and frustration, noting that such scams could severely impact tourists’ trust and the state’s reputation as a travel destination.
Mark has since issued a warning to fellow tourists, urging them to book services only through official government websites or authorised travel agencies. He stressed the importance of verifying credentials before making online payments, especially when dealing with private operators.
The incident has highlighted the need for stronger regulation of online travel services and increased public awareness to prevent similar frauds targeting unsuspecting visitors.
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