Archana Puran Singh and her family faced an unexpected online scam during their recent Dubai vacation, losing thousands of rupees on fake indoor skydiving tickets.
A Dream Vacation Takes an Unexpected Turn
Archana Puran Singh, along with her husband Parmeet Sethi and sons Aryamann and Ayushmaan, recently jetted off to Dubai for a much-anticipated holiday. After a trip to Switzerland, the family was excited for more adventures.
Their first day in Dubai was planned around an exhilarating indoor skydiving session. Aryamann took charge of booking the experience online, seemingly setting the stage for a memorable start to their trip.
The Scam Unfolds in Dubai
Upon reaching the indoor skydiving venue, the family received a shock. The person at the counter informed them there was no booking under their name. They quickly realized they had fallen victim to a scam.
The family discovered they had booked their passes on a convincing, but fake, website. A key red flag, spotted in hindsight, was a special Ramadan discount offered on the site, even though it wasn’t the month of Ramadan.
Shock and Disbelief
“Did we just get scammed in Dubai?” a shocked Archana exclaimed, as Parmeet looked on gravely. She expressed her disbelief, having always considered Dubai a safe place with very strict rules.
The tickets weren’t cheap, and the financial loss was significant. Archana light-heartedly joked about their money “drowning in Dubai,” never expecting such an incident in a city renowned for its security.
Parmeet Sethi, who had even created a show about online scams called ‘Hack Crime Online,’ also voiced his disappointment at being targeted.
Aryamann’s Hunch and the Paneer Obsession
Aryamann admitted to having a premonition about the website, noting a strange glitch during checkout. He booked a four-minute package, but the confirmation showed two minutes, which he had dismissed as a minor error.
Despite the setback, the family quickly recovered. Parmeet paid for new tickets, ensuring they didn’t miss out on the indoor skydiving experience.
After their thrilling session, the family indulged in some culinary exploration, trying Alia Bhatt’s favorite dessert. True to form, Aryamann’s persistent love for paneer led them to find a restaurant offering his favorite paneer dish, continuing a family tradition from their Switzerland trip.
- Always double-check the authenticity of booking websites, even in reputable destinations.
- Be wary of unusual discounts or discrepancies during the booking process.
- Online scams can affect anyone, regardless of location or celebrity status.
The incident served as a reminder of the importance of online vigilance, but it certainly didn’t stop the Singh-Sethi family from enjoying their vacation and Aryamann from getting his beloved paneer.
