Manila: Scam Watch Pilipinas (Scam Watch PH) on Monday warned the public against the most common travel scams in the country ahead of the Holy Week exodus beginning Maundy Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Scam Watch PH co-founder Jocel de Guzman highlighted that rising oil prices are pushing air fares higher, leading to a surge in travel-related scams targeting Filipinos searching for cheaper options. De Guzman noted that these scams are designed to create urgency, advising travelers to be cautious of offers that rush them to pay or are priced far below market rates.
One prevalent scam during this period is fake accommodations, where hotel rooms or other lodging options are advertised at unusually low prices but turn out to be non-existent. De Guzman advised travelers to book through verified platforms, check real reviews, contact hotels directly before making payments, and use official travel apps instead of website-based URLs.
Another scam involves fake Wi-Fi hotspots in airports, hotels, and tourist areas, which cybercriminals use to steal personal and banking information. The public is urged to avoid sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi, use a VPN, and verify network names with staff.
Additionally, 'too-good-to-be-true' travel deals offered via email, SMS, or social media often promise heavily discounted flights or travel packages that do not exist. De Guzman advised consumers to verify directly with airlines or hotels, avoid random links and messages, research providers before booking, and use official travel apps when transacting.
De Guzman also warned against unauthorized individuals or agents selling cheap airline tickets on social media, especially those who pressure victims into immediate transactions outside official airline channels. Travelers are reminded to buy only from official airline channels, avoid individual sellers on social media, be wary of urgency tactics, and use official airline or travel apps for bookings.
Apart from these scams, De Guzman encouraged the public to adopt a 'Kontra Scam Attitude' by avoiding rushed payments, being cautious with money, verifying deals directly with airlines, hotels, or legitimate platforms, ignoring suspicious messages, links, or unsolicited offers, and reporting suspicious offers or incidents to the national anti-scam hotline 1326. He emphasized that awareness is the strongest defense, and as travel costs rise, verification and vigilance become even more critical.
Holy Week, or 'Semana Santa,' is an annual religious observance that begins on Holy Monday and continues until Easter Sunday, with Maundy Thursday and Good Friday being regular holidays and Black Saturday a special (non-working) holiday in the country.
