Going for Dubai holidays? Archana Puran Singh warns about how she lost thousands while ticket booking for a popular tourist destination

Time of India

11 hours ago

Dubai, with its glimmering skyline, lavish experiences, and impeccable order, rarely conjures images of petty scams. But for Archana Puran Singh and her family, a recent getaway to the Middle Eastern metropolis came with an unexpected jolt. The
Great Indian Kapil Show
judge took to her YouTube channel to share how what was meant to be an exciting indoor skydiving experience turned into a frustrating—and expensive—lesson in online fraud.
While on vacation with husband and actor-director
Parmeet Sethi
and their sons Aaryamann and Ayushmaan, Archana booked slots for iFly Dubai, a popular indoor skydiving adventure. The family was excited and all set to tick another experience off their bucket list—until they arrived at the location and learned there was no reservation in their name.
'We've Been Scammed'
In her vlog, Archana candidly narrated the ordeal. '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. Dubai mein hamare paise doob gaye,' she said, visibly upset. Known for her cheerful screen presence, the actor couldn't hide her disbelief. 'I never expected this to happen in Dubai. There are such strict rules and laws here. People are scared of doing such things,' she added.
Parmeet Sethi, standing beside her, echoed the shock. 'I am shocked... Thousands of rupees are gone,' he said, before joking nervously, 'Pata chale yahi scam hai,' referring to the real ticket counter they were then forced to purchase from—this time in cash.
Small Clues, Big Realisation
As the family retraced the booking steps, it became clear there had been subtle red flags. Aaryamann recalled, 'When I selected a four-minute package, the site suddenly changed it to two. I thought it was a technical glitch.' He admitted not verifying further, assuming a city like Dubai would not permit such lapses in legitimacy.
You Might Also Like:
No car or equity shares in Netflix. Archana Puran Singh gets Navjot Singh Sidhu as gift for The Great Indian Kapil Show season 3
Even Ayushmaan had his doubts—mentioning how the booking had offered a 'Ramadan discount,' even though the holy month had already ended. By the time the family put the pieces together, the damage was done. The fraudulent website had vanished and no trace of the transaction could be retrieved.
A Glamorous City, A Glaring Flaw
The incident has sparked conversations online not just about travel scams, but also about how even tech-savvy, well-informed individuals can be tricked in unexpected places. Dubai, a city lauded for its orderliness and strict enforcement of laws, seemed an unlikely place for such deception to occur. Perhaps that's why Archana's story has struck a chord with many of her followers—it feels personal, surprising, and deeply relatable.
While the actor didn't reveal the exact amount lost, she repeatedly emphasized the high cost of the tickets. Parmeet eventually purchased new tickets in cash so the family could still enjoy the experience, but the bitter taste of being duped remained.
A Vlog With a Warning
Archana's vlog—usually filled with joy, travel highlights, and light-hearted family banter—took a more serious tone in this episode. While fans appreciated the transparency, many also commented that it serves as a powerful reminder: scams today are sophisticated, and no one is truly immune.
You Might Also Like:
When Archana Puran Singh's driver exposed her son's secrets on camera
From misleading websites to fake discounts, fraudulent schemes now disguise themselves cleverly—and even cities with the cleanest reputations are not free of digital dangers.
Though shaken, Archana and her family chose not to let the scam define their trip. The vlog ends on a warm, humorous note—true to the spirit of the ever-optimistic actor. But the warning is clear: whether you're a seasoned traveller or a first-timer, never let your guard down when clicking 'confirm booking.'
You Might Also Like:
Is Archana Puran Singh paid to laugh at Kapil Sharma Show? Actress shares a 'funny' truth