10 Hotel Booking Scams You Must Avoid in 2026

Fake websites, photoshopped pools, ₹99 “resort” villas – scammers upgraded in 2026. Keep these red flags in pocket before you smash that pay button.

1. Fake GST Bill

Site shows 12 % GST but no GSTIN number. Ask for provisional invoice; if they stall, bounce.

2. Too-Good-To-Be-True OYO

₹499 AC room in MG Road Bangalore? Masked listing uses old hotel pics. Read 1-star reviews first – bed-bug photos don’t lie.

3. “Only 1 Room Left” Timer

Classic FOMO pop-up. Open incognito window – magically 5 rooms appear. Always compare price on MyKamra Hotels aggregator.

4. Hidden Resort Fee

Goa properties add ₹2 000 “club amenity” at check-in. Mail hotel directly; get final amount in writing.

5. Photoshopped Infinity Pool

Reverse-search hero image on Google. If same pic shows Dubai hotel, LOL.

6. Free Breakfast Minus Tax

“Complimentary” breakfast carries 18 % GST. Ask buffet or ala-carte; sometimes ₹299 plate becomes ₹352.

7. Bait-And-Switch

You book deluxe, get standard “upgrade free” – then asked to pay difference. Screenshot original room specs as proof.

8. Card Fraud Clone Sites

URL looks like booking.com but extra hyphen. Check SSL certificate domain matches brand exactly.

9. No-Refund Policy Hidden

Scroll past 3 pop-ups to find cancellation = 0 % refund. Use hotels with free cancellation till 24 h – filter available on MyKamra.

10. “Government Service Charge”

No such thing. Government taxes are GST only. If desk guy argues, flash Ministry of Tourism circular on phone.

Stay sharp, book smart, and let your holiday memories be about sunsets, not court cases.