Actor and reality show judge Archana Puran Singh has revealed she was duped in a skydiving scam during a recent holiday in Dubai. The popular The Great Indian Kapil Show judge shared the unfortunate experience in a vlog, explaining that she and her family were scammed while trying to book tickets for iFly Dubai, an indoor skydiving adventure.
The Shocking Incident
Archana, along with her husband Parmeet Sethi and sons Aaryamann and Ayushmaan, had booked three slots through a website they believed to be iFly Dubai’s official platform. However, upon arrival, the staff at the real iFly counter said no bookings existed in their name.
“We’ve been scammed in Dubai,” Archana said in the video, visibly stunned. “We have already paid and the tickets are not cheap… Dubai mein hamare paise doob gaye. I never expected this to happen here, where there are such strict rules and laws.”
Her husband Parmeet added, “Thousands of rupees are gone.” He later paid in cash for legitimate tickets so that the family could still enjoy the ride, albeit with added suspicion. “Pata chale yahi scam hai (What if this is a scam too?),” he joked.
A Case of Fake Website
Son Aaryamann noted strange signs while booking, including a website glitch that changed their package details and added that it offered an outdated “Ramadan discount.” Ayushmaan echoed the suspicion, stating that he could no longer trace the fraudulent website afterward.
Lesson for Tourists
While the amount lost wasn’t disclosed, the incident is a stark reminder that scammers are getting sophisticated—even in countries with tight regulations like the UAE. Archana’s experience sheds light on the need to:
- Verify the authenticity of websites before making payments
- Book only through official platforms or verified partners
- Be wary of unrealistic discounts or last-minute changes
Archana’s candid vlog is resonating with fans, not only for its raw honesty but also for raising awareness about travel fraud.
