Bollywood
Archana Puran Singh Scammed During Dubai Vacation: The Indoor Skydiving Booking That Went Terribly Wrong
“Dubai Mein Paise Doob Gaye”: Archana Puran Singh’s Family Falls Prey to Fake Skydiving Website
In what should have been an unforgettable family adventure, Archana Puran Singh, veteran actress and TV judge of The Kapil Sharma Show, found herself at the receiving end of an online travel scam during a vacation in Dubai. The destination, famed for luxury, safety, and tourism, became a backdrop for an all-too-common modern-day nightmare — a fake online booking that cost her family thousands of rupees.
The Skydiving Experience That Wasn’t
Dubai, with its indoor skydiving spots like iFly, had been on the Puran-Sethi family’s itinerary. Archana, along with husband Parmeet Sethi and their sons Aaryamann and Ayushmaan, booked tickets for what they believed would be a gravity-defying thrill. However, upon reaching the venue, they were met with blank stares. We’ve already paid online,” Archana explained to the staff.
“Sorry ma’am, we don’t have any booking under your name,” came the response.
And just like that, excitement turned into dismay.
“We Got Scammed… In Dubai!”
In a follow-up vlog posted on her YouTube channel, Archana shared her shock and disappointment: I couldn’t believe it. We got scammed — and in Dubai of all places! You never expect such things in a place known for its strict laws and controls.
The actress, who was recovering from a hand injury and chose not to participate in the activity, became the voice of caution for countless Indian travelers who might be unknowingly exposing themselves to similar frauds.
A Son’s Doubt — Missed Red Flags
Interestingly, Aaryamann, her elder son, had noticed something was off. Initially, the website said 4 minutes of flight time, but when we moved to the payment page, it changed to 2 minutes. I thought it was just a glitch…
That minor detail should have been a red flag. But like most modern consumers juggling tabs and distractions, the family proceeded — trusting what looked like an authentic booking platform.
The Emotional Fallout of a “Digital Dhokha”
While the monetary loss — described as “thousands of rupees” — may not have broken their bank, the emotional toll was heavier. While the monetary loss — described as “thousands of rupees” — may not have broken their bank, the emotional toll was heavier.
Still, the family made the most of their day. They bought legitimate tickets, enjoyed the real iFly Dubai experience, indulged in food and dessert (including Alia Bhatt’s favorite Kunafa), and shared laughs at their own expense.
What This Incident Reveals About Modern Travel Risks
Travel experts often highlight how scams today are less about back-alley traps and more about sophisticated digital trickery:
- Professional-looking fake websites
- Social media ads promoting false discounts
- Cloned URLs that mimic official tourism platforms
- Payment pages with masked redirect links
What makes this story unique is that it happened in Dubai, a city that brands itself on order, trust, and luxury. And it happened to a public figure, reminding us that no one is immune.
What You Can Learn From Archana’s Experience
To protect yourself while booking travel, especially through unfamiliar websites:
Always use trusted sources – Book only through official platforms or verified travel agencies.
Check URL authenticity – Fake websites often mimic the look of real ones but have misspelled URLs or strange domains.
Cross-check via reviews – If you’re unsure, Google the company. No online footprint? That’s a red flag.
Use protected payment methods – Credit cards often offer chargeback options in case of fraud.
Keep booking confirmations – Save emails, screenshots, and transactions until your travel ends.
Her Warning to Fans and Followers
Archana took the experience in her stride but used her platform to share a public service message: If we can fall for this, anyone can. Please be careful. Verify every booking twice.
In a landscape flooded with offers, countdown clocks, and promo popups, it’s easy to get emotionally excited and skip due diligence. Her story is now being hailed as an eye-opener — especially for Indian tourists heading to global hotspots.
The Human Side of Travel
Despite the unpleasant surprise, the family turned things around. “Life goes on,” said Archana in her vlog, as she captured her kids diving mid-air and enjoying the ride. They shopped, joked, and ended the day with food and gratitude. At least we were together. At least we got to do the real thing. And now — we have a story to tell,” she smiled.
That, perhaps, is the most graceful way to deal with a travel disaster: with laughter, learning, and a little self-mockery.
Quick Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Archana Puran Singh & family |
| Scam Type | Fake online booking for iFly Dubai |
| Loss | Thousands of rupees |
| Clue Missed | Flight duration changed during booking |
| Recovery | Bought legit tickets, completed activity |
| Message | “Verify your travel bookings—twice” |
Final Word
In an age where Instagrammable travel meets insta-booking convenience, Archana Puran Singh’s experience is a necessary pause. A reminder that digital trust must be earned, not assumed.
So the next time you hit ‘Book Now’, take an extra moment to ask:
Is this real — or just really well made?