Online Scams in Kochi, India
Fraudulent booking sites, phishing, fake reviews, and digital cons targeting travelers. Below are the online scams scams reported in Kochi — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Udaipur, Kandy, and Bengaluru.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
2
Online Scams Scams
14
Total in Kochi
How it works
Organised cybercrime gangs impersonate CBI officers, Delhi Police, customs officials, or TRAI representatives and contact victims by phone or video call, claiming the victim's phone number, bank account, or identity has been used in criminal activity. The victim is told they are "digitally arrested" and must remain on video call and transfer funds to a "safe account" to prove innocence. Multiple arrests have been made in Kochi in 2024–2025, with losses ranging from ₹4.5 lakh to ₹4.12 crore per victim. Bloomberg and Onmanorama have reported these as among the most prevalent cyber scams in Kerala.
How it works
Scammers contact tourists and travellers via WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media, posing as stock brokers or investment advisors, and invite victims to join exclusive trading groups promising guaranteed high returns. Victims are directed to fraudulent platforms that show fabricated profits, encouraging them to deposit more funds. When they attempt to withdraw returns, the platform is inaccessible or demands additional fees. Multiple Kochi-based cases were investigated by Kerala Cyber Police in 2024–2025, with individual losses exceeding ₹25 crore in the largest case.
See all scams in Kochi
14 total warnings across all categories