BAGUIO CITY — The local government here — together with the Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) — is strengthening its campaign to combat scams targeting tourists visiting Baguio.

Dubbed "Huwag maging biktima, Be Scam Aware!," the campaign aims to safeguard tourists and residents from scams and fraudulent activities, particularly those related to online booking and accommodations.

The launch on Thursday during the grand opening of the Enchanting Baguio Christmas Market at the Rose Garden, Burnham Park, is timely with the holiday season's expected influx of visitors to Baguio.

Scams and fraudulent activities have become a growing concern nationwide, and Baguio City is no exception. As a premier tourist destination, Baguio attracts thousands of visitors, making it essential to proactively address these threats.

BTC chairperson Gladys Vergara said scams have the potential to undermine the trust and confidence of tourists visiting the city.

"As a community, it is our responsibility to ensure that visitors feel safe and secure while experiencing the beauty of Baguio. This campaign is an essential step in educating the public and strengthening our collective effort to combat fraud and protect everyone's well-being," Vergara said.

The centerpiece of the campaign is an informative and engaging infomercial, a project of the Baguio Tourism Council G2 Sector, composed of owners and operators of small- to medium-sized accommodation establishments.

This group plays a vital role in Baguio's tourism industry and is committed to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of both residents and visitors.

The infomercial aims to educate the public about common scamming techniques used by fraudsters, particularly those targeting tourists via social media and online platforms.

It also promotes scam prevention by providing actionable advice on verifying the authenticity of rental listings and identifying trusted sources of information and it encourages safe tourism practices by directing tourists and residents to reliable resources, including the Baguio Tourism Council's verified database, Department of Tourism-Cordillera and City Permits and Licensing Division listings, to avoid falling prey to scams.