Concerned government agencies have warned residents of Negros Occidental to be alert against social media pages posing as official tourism establishments and tourism-related businesses to deceive guests booking for accommodations.
On Friday, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) advised guests to be aware of red flags when making online reservations in hotels, resorts and similar accommodation establishments.
“Sadly, scammers are getting smarter. Even fake Facebook pages are with thousands of followers and respond professionally. A common red flag is being asked to pay upfront to secure a booking,” DICT-Negros Occidental head Mary Jane Agonace told the Philippine News Agency.
Agonace encouraged the public to call or email the establishment using its official contact details before sending money.
“Make sure you’re dealing with their real (Facebook) page,” she added.
In its advisory, the Negros Occidental Provincial Tourism Division reminded Negrenses to be vigilant against fake Facebook pages, following reports of some guests scammed after booking online for a beachfront resort in southern Negros.
“Before making reservations, bookings or sending any payments, always verify that you are transacting with the legitimate and official Facebook page or contact details of the establishment,” it said.
The Provincial Tourism Division noted that major resorts and accommodation establishments usually have websites where online bookings and payments through bank transactions or credit cards are available.
Guests are advised to verify whether establishments and enterprises are accredited by the Department of Tourism.
The Negros Occidental Provincial Tourism Division can be reached at (034) 432-0852 or 0909-977-0007.*PNA
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