NCRPO warns public vs. fake hotel accommodation, travel promos

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Tuesday warned the public against fake hotel accommodation and travel promotional offers circulating online, particularly during the “Ber” months when travel and holiday bookings typically increase.

NCRPO Officer-in-Charge Police Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano urged the public to exercise greater caution when booking hotels, resorts, airline tickets, tour packages, and other travel-related services online, as scammers may take advantage of the increased demand by offering unusually low rates, limited-time deals, or heavily discounted packages to lure victims.

“Do not let attractive travel deals cloud your judgment. Before sending any payment, verify that the hotel, travel agency, or booking account is legitimate. A few minutes of verification can prevent the loss of your hard-earned money,” Abrahano said.

The NCRPO chief advised the public to be particularly cautious of social media accounts and online sellers that use copied logos, stolen photos, newly created accounts, or websites and pages that closely imitate legitimate hotels, resorts, airlines, or travel agencies.

The NCRPO likewise reminded the public to verify booking details directly through the establishment’s official website or verified contact channels and to avoid sending payments to personal accounts when dealing with businesses that should have legitimate corporate or merchant payment channels.

“If the offer is too good to be true, stop and verify. Do not be pressured by supposed flash sales, expiring offers, or sellers who insist on immediate payment. Always check before you click, book, or pay,” Abrahano said.

The NCRPO also reminded the public never to share passwords, one-time passwords, banking credentials, or other sensitive personal and financial information with individuals claiming to represent hotels, travel agencies, or booking platforms.

The public is encouraged to preserve screenshots, receipts, account details, messages, and other transaction records in case they fall victim to an online travel scam and to immediately report fraudulent activities to the appropriate authorities.

“Our message is simple: verify before you trust and verify before you pay. Criminals can create convincing online offers, but vigilance and timely reporting can help prevent them from succeeding,” Abrahano said.