Authorities are warning the public to be extra vigilant against online scams targeting holiday travelers—including fake Airbnb listings and fraudulent vehicle rental or “rent-tangay” schemes—as millions of Filipinos prepare to travel for Undas 2025, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Tuesday night, 28 October.
PNP spokesperson and information chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the agency will step up its public information campaign through the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to caution travelers against falling victim to bogus rental transactions and other similar scams.
“Magpapalabas ng anunsyo ang ating PNP para naman po ito do'n sa mga magre-rent naman po ng mga sasakyan o 'yong mga rent-tangay.”
(“The PNP will issue an advisory for those renting vehicles to avoid falling victim to rent-tangay schemes.”)
In the “rent-tangay” modus, suspects pose as legitimate clients, rent vehicles from unsuspecting owners, and then disappear without returning them.
The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) will also release advisories to help travelers and vacationers identify online scams, particularly fake accommodation listings and fraudulent transactions on travel platforms such as Airbnb.
Tuaño reminded the public to remain cautious, especially when encountering deals that appear too good to be true.
“Patuloy tayong nagpaalala sa mga kababayan natin kaugnay sa mga scam online tulad nung sa Airbnb at 'yong mga for rent. Kapag ito ay too good to be true, it probably is.”
(“We continue to remind the public about online scams, such as those on Airbnb or car rentals. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”)
The intensified anti-scam drive forms part of the PNP’s broader efforts to comply with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) directives to ensure a safe, orderly, and scam-free observance of Undas.
Aside from awareness campaigns, police units nationwide will be deployed to conduct checkpoints, patrols, and anti-crime operations, aimed at sustaining the decline in eight focus crimes, including theft, robbery, and car theft, throughout the long holiday weekend.
Meanwhile, the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) said it is also closely monitoring potential protest actions that may coincide with Undas activities.
NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said around 13,431 police officers and force multipliers will be deployed across Metro Manila to ensure public safety, especially with the expected influx of travelers.
“We cannot rule out the possibility that rallyists will take advantage of this opportunity to gather,” Asilo said.
“That is why part of our preparation is the early deployment of personnel. Our Reserve Standby Support Force is ready to respond in case of sudden protest actions.”
Asilo added that 600 additional officers from the NCRPO’s regional unit are also on standby for rapid deployment if necessary.