Attapur Doctor Defrauded Of Over Rs 3 Lakh In Fake Char Dham Helicopter Booking Scam

A 60-year-old doctor from Attapur in Hyderabad was defrauded of over Rs. 3 lakh by a cyber fraudster posing as a travel representative for the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage. The incident, which came to light on 10 July 2026, involved a fake online helicopter booking package that left the victim with no valid travel or accommodation arrangements for his planned family trip.

The complainant first encountered the scam through an advertisement on the social media platform Instagram, which promoted helicopter services for the Char Dham Yatra. When the doctor contacted the phone number listed in the advertisement, the call was answered by an unidentified individual who claimed to be a representative of Himalayan Heli Services.

During the conversation, the caller offered a comprehensive helicopter tour package designed for six people. The package featured a three-night and four-day itinerary, priced at a total of Rs. 3.58 lakh.

Believing the offer to be legitimate, the doctor proceeded with the booking and transferred a sum of more than Rs. 3 lakh. This amount was sent to the fraudster in five separate instalments.

To convince the victim that the bookings were genuine, the fraudster sent several emails. These emails contained fabricated documents, including alleged helicopter tickets, hotel reservation details, and VVIP darshan confirmations.

The fraud was discovered when the doctor decided to contact the hotel and the actual helicopter service provider directly to confirm the arrangements before embarking on the scheduled pilgrimage. Both the hotel management and the helicopter operator informed him that no bookings had been made in his name.

Upon realising he had been cheated, the doctor approached the authorities. Following his complaint, the Hyderabad Cybercrime Police registered a case and have initiated an investigation into the matter.