Rajkot: Tourists visiting Gir to see the Asiatic lions have fallen prey to an online scam involving a fake website of Sinh Sadan, the official government guest house in Sasan.

Scammers created a bogus website, though no such site exists, offering online room bookings and issuing forged reservation receipts. The fraud came to light when a Valsad tourist arrived with a fake booking voucher, claiming to have paid money to a Jammu and Kashmir bank account after speaking to someone posing as a staff member. A Mumbai tourist later reported a similar experience.

A forest guard’s test booking confirmed the fraud, as the site used real photos and tariffs of Sinh Sadan to appear genuine. Range Forest Officer Yash Umraniya filed a complaint at Mendarda police station.

Officials clarified that Sinh Sadan does not have any online booking system and accommodates government guests only, while private visitors can book rooms in person. Police are investigating to trace the culprits and other victims. DeshGujarat