Timely warning
DESPITE repeated warnings,some quarters find it rather disturbing that people are still victimized by the so-called “vacation scammers.”
It is disheartening to know that the Philippine National Police (PNP) has already registered 35 scams in the first two months of the year.
Actually, this vacation scam has been on the uptrend since 2021, said Maj/Gen. Sidney Hernia, director of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group.
From only 39 vacation scam cases in 2021, the elite PNP-ACG said the number rose to 91 and 313 in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Through the many wonders of modern technology, like cellular phones, the scammers offer online accomodation services to tourists.
This, the online scammers will do by impersonating personnel of legitimate establishments, offering their services at lower prices.
Upon their arrival, the victims will find their supposed reservations as non-existent in the establsihment’s system, according to the police.
We agree with the police that the people should only rely on trusted websites for bookings and never provide personal or financial details online.
We cannot overemphasize the importance of staying vigilant if we are to avoid being victimized by these enterprising online scammers.
Naniniwala tayo sa kasabihang walang manloloko kung walang magpapaloko. Tama nga naman.
