The New Way of Cheating in India: The Xpress Club Pvt Ltd Scheme
In recent years, India has seen a disturbing rise in well-packaged scams that appear legitimate but are structured to trap unsuspecting customers. One of the latest examples making rounds online and offline is The Xpress Club Pvt Ltd, which promotes a too-good-to-be-true travel membership plan.
🎁 The Tempting Offer
The advertisement by The Xpress Club Pvt Ltd goes like this:
“Join Today & Get 3 Nights 4 Days Complimentary Stay With Breakfast And Dinner!”
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3 YEARS VALIDITY
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18 Nights in total (6 Nights/Year)
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For 2 Adults + 2 Children (below 5) or 3 Adults
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Stay in 4-star & 5-star luxury hotels/resorts across India
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Includes Accommodation, Breakfast & Dinner
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All-Inclusive Price: ₹45,000 (including GST)
Sounds amazing, right?
But here’s the catch — once you pay, things begin to unravel.
🕵️♂️ What’s Really Happening?
1. No Transparency
Customers report that hotel booking is rarely available. Even after repeated follow-ups, there is either no response, or you're told all slots are full for months ahead.
2. Fine Print Trickery
The “complimentary” stay has hidden conditions. Booking windows, blackout dates, limited hotel choices, and inconvenient terms make it almost impossible to redeem what was promised.
3. Pressure Sales Tactics
Victims mention being invited to a “free gift voucher presentation,” only to be pressured into paying immediately to avail the offer. Some even claim their cards were swiped without full disclosure.
4. Fake Luxury Claims
Despite advertising 4-star and 5-star resorts, in reality, the properties offered are often budget hotels with poor service and facilities, far from what was promised.
5. Limited Inventory? Or No Inventory?
The phrase “limited inventory” is frequently used to create urgency. But once the money is taken, availability mysteriously vanishes.
🚫 What This Really Is: A Travel Scam in Disguise
These schemes hide behind legal-looking paperwork and official-looking websites. They thrive on bulk upfront payments, delayed services, and customer fatigue (knowing most people won’t fight for months over hotel bookings worth a few thousand rupees).
The business model is simple:
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Collect money fast
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Offer minimal services
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Delay responses until the customer gives up or forgets
🔒 How to Stay Safe
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Always research the company name on platforms like Consumer Complaints, Trustpilot, or Google Reviews.
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Avoid making full payments upfront for long-term travel plans.
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Ask for written contracts, and read all terms and conditions.
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Beware of pressure tactics — genuine companies allow time to decide.
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Report such cases to the Consumer Helpline (1800-11-4000) or file a complaint on https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/
India's scam industry is evolving. It no longer relies on crude fraud — it comes dressed in branding, luxury, and fake benefits. The Xpress Club Pvt Ltd case is a classic example of how people are being lured into travel scams with promises of luxury and freebies.
It’s time consumers become more vigilant. If an offer feels too good to be true, it probably is.
What to Do Before Joining Any Such Club:
Consumers in India are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution when encountering such attractive holiday club offers. Before parting with any money, it is crucial to:
Research Thoroughly: Search online for reviews, complaints, and news articles about "THE XPRESS CLUB PVT LTD" and similar vacation clubs. Look for keywords like "scam," "fraud," "complaints," and "consumer forum."
Demand a Detailed List of Properties: Insist on seeing a comprehensive and verifiable list of all hotels and resorts included in the membership, along with their actual availability calendars.
Read the Fine Print: Carefully read the entire contract, including all terms and conditions, cancellation policies, and any hidden fees. If possible, get it reviewed by a legal professional.
Don't Succumb to Pressure: Never make an on-the-spot decision. Take the offer documents home, discuss them with family, and seek independent advice.
Verify Credentials: Check the company's registration with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and look for any consumer complaints filed against them.
Beware of Unsolicited Calls/Messages: Be wary of offers that come through unsolicited calls or messages, especially if they demand immediate action or payment.
While the dream of luxurious, affordable holidays is appealing, consumers must be vigilant against schemes that may turn a vacation dream into a financial nightmare. The "new way of cheating" often involves repackaging old cons with new names and enticing offers. Staying informed and exercising due diligence is the best defense against falling victim to such elaborate traps.
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