A honeymoon is one of the most anticipated parts of a wedding. Newlyweds look forward to a peaceful escape, a destination to unwind, celebrate love, and begin a new chapter. But while couples plan the perfect getaway, cybercriminals plan something else entirely. Honeymoon booking scams have become one of the fastest-growing online fraud trends, trapping couples with irresistible travel offers, fake hotel listings, and discounted packages that disappear as soon as payment is made.
What Is a Honeymoon Booking Scam?
A honeymoon booking scam is a fraudulent tactic where scammers create fake travel websites, advertisements, or agents offering luxury honeymoon packages at unbelievable prices. Victims, hoping to save money during expensive wedding seasons, fall for these deals without realising the risks. Once the payment is completed, either the booking never exists, or the hotel denies any record of reservation.
It is a scam that preys on emotional excitement and hopes of the perfect start to marriage.
How These Scams Usually Operate
Fake Travel Websites and Social Ads
Scammers build professional-looking landing pages with attractive visuals, testimonials, and limited-time offers. The urgency makes couples act fast.
Impersonation of Travel Agencies
Attackers may pose as well-known agencies, sending confirmations that look legitimate but lead to untraceable payment routes.
Advance Payment Requests
Scammers insist on full payment upfront, often via UPI, wallet transfers, or wire payments that cannot be reversed.
Why Couples Easily Fall for This Fraud
Attractive Discounts
Travel costs are high during wedding season. A discount of 40 to 60 percent sounds like a dream, and dreams reduce caution.
Emotional Excitement
The honeymoon is a milestone. When emotions lead, verification often takes a back seat.
Urgency Tactics
Statements like “only two rooms left” or “offer ends in two hours” create pressure. Rushed decisions favour scammers.
What Happens After the Money Is Sent
Victims soon realise the booking is fake. There may be no reservation, no refund, and no customer support. In more damaging cases, scammers store personal data like passport scans, card details, or email credentials, risking identity theft or further attacks.
The disappointment is emotional as well as financial.
How to Protect Yourself
Verify Before Paying
Contact hotels or airlines directly. If the deal doesn’t exist elsewhere, it may be a scam.
Avoid Upfront Payments to Unknown Accounts
Legitimate travel portals allow secure transactions through trusted gateways.
Research Reviews and Website Legitimacy
Look for independent reviews, SSL certificates, and company registration details.
Final Thoughts
A honeymoon should begin with happiness, not regret. Careful research, verification, and secure payments are essential to prevent digital honeymoon traps. Protect yourself by letting Arjuna screen deceptive links and fraudulent booking pages. Start safe and stay protected
