IndiaA travel agent absconded with my money. What can I do?
You can file a police complaint for cheating and criminal breach of trust, lodge a consumer complaint for deficiency in service, and approach the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) for mediation.
What the Law Says
Indian law treats absconding travel agents as committing both criminal and civil wrongs. Key statutes provide remedies under criminal law, consumer protection, and contract law.
Under the Indian Penal Code, 1860, taking money with no intention to perform the promised travel services amounts to cheating (Section 420) and criminal breach of trust (Section 406). These are cognizable, non-bailable offences.
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 defines travel agents as 'service providers' and 'deficiency in service' includes failure to deliver booked services or misappropriation of payment. Consumers can claim refund, compensation, and punitive damages.
Section 73 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 allows recovery of compensation for loss caused by breach of contract — such as non-refund of advance paid for a trip that never materialised.
Statutory TextWhoever cheats shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
— Indian Penal Code, 1860, s. 420 — Punishment for cheating
Statutory TextWhere a person entrusted with property dishonestly misappropriates or converts it to his own use, he is said to commit criminal breach of trust.
— Indian Penal Code, 1860, s. 405 — Definition of criminal breach of trust
Statutory TextA 'consumer' means any person who hires or avails of any service for a consideration…
— Consumer Protection Act, 2019, s. 2(7) — Definition of consumer
Statutory TextCompensation for loss or damage caused by non-performance of promise…
— Indian Contract Act, 1872, s. 73 — Compensation for loss or damage caused by breach of contract
What to Do
File an FIR at your local police station immediately — police must register it within 7 days even if jurisdiction is unclear (SC directive in Lalita Kumari v. Govt. of UP).
Lodge a consumer complaint online via https://consumerhelpline.gov.in or at District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (within 2 years of cause of action).
Gather evidence: payment receipts, WhatsApp/email confirmations, booking IDs, agent’s PAN/GST details, and screenshots of their website/social media.
Contact TAAI (www.taai.org) — they mediate disputes and may suspend the agent’s membership if misconduct is verified.
If the amount exceeds ₹1 crore, file before the State Commission; above ₹10 crores, approach the National Commission.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.