Archana Puran Singh reveals her family's loss in a Dubai skydiving scam, highlighting the importance of caution while booking online.
Actor and television personality Archana Puran Singh recently shared an alarming experience regarding a scam that befell her family during their vacation in Dubai. The celebrated star, known for her role on *The Great Indian Kapil Show* on Netflix, discussed the incident in a vlog, shedding light on the unfortunate events involving a skydiving booking in the city.
While holidaying in Dubai with her family, which includes her husband, actor and filmmaker Parmeet Sethi, and their two sons, Aaryamann and Ayushmaan Sethi, Archana planned a visit to iFly Dubai. This facility offers an indoor skydiving experience that simulates the sensation of free-fall, making it a popular attraction for tourists.
Upon arrival at iFly Dubai, the family was met with an unexpected revelation. Despite having pre-booked and paid for their tickets, a representative at the company's desk informed them that there were no bookings under their name. In her vlog, Archana expressed her disbelief, stating, "We had booked three slots in iFly Dubai, but this lady is saying that we have no booking. We have been scammed because the website where we made the payment is not theirs."
Archana's husband, Parmeet Sethi, corroborated her account, stating, "Thousands of rupees are (gone)..." He took action by purchasing new tickets directly from the venue, highlighting his surprise at the situation. The comment was tinged with irony as he remarked about the potential risks involved, quipping, "What if it turns out that this is also a scam?"
The family's experience raises awareness about online fraud, especially in popular tourist destinations. Aaryamann, their son, mentioned that he noticed unusual website behaviour while booking, with changes to the selected service package that he initially interpreted as a technical glitch. Meanwhile, Ayushmaan observed that the supposed 'Ramadan discount' offered was questionable, given that the month of Ramadan had already concluded.
In her video, Archana Puran Singh refrained from disclosing the exact amount lost to the fraudulent booking but described it as a significant sum. The situation serves as a stark reminder for travellers to exercise caution when booking experiences online, particularly with unfamiliar websites.
This incident has resonated with many as online scams become increasingly prevalent, especially in high-traffic tourist locations. Tourists are urged to verify company credentials and secure payment methods to avoid falling victim to similar scams. As reported by various sources, including travel safety experts, always relying on official websites or well-known travel agencies is advisable when planning activities abroad.
The event has sparked discussions about the need for enhanced consumer awareness and stronger regulations regarding online transactions, especially in the tourism sector. Archana's revelation echoes the struggles many have faced in securing their holiday plans while emphasising the significance of diligence in financial transactions during travel.
For further updates and insights on similar topics, follow Archana Puran Singh on her social media channels where she continues to share experiences and advice with her audience.