Central Visayas Suffers P1 Million Loss in Online Booking Scams, DOT 7 Responds with Anti-Fraud Initiative
Online booking scams have resulted in approximately P1 million in financial losses across Central Visayas, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT) 7. The regional office disclosed this alarming figure as it launched the Cebu and Bohol Turista iWAS Scam program on Monday, March 23, 2026, to address the growing threat of digital fraud in the tourism sector.
Scam Incidents and Regional Impact
Marlon Barrientos, officer-in-charge of the DOT 7 Tourism Regulation Division, revealed that 26 accredited establishments reported a total of 198 online scamming incidents to the regional office. Of these cases, 183 occurred in Cebu and 15 in Bohol, with 23 reporting establishments based in Cebu and three in Bohol. Barrientos emphasized, "These figures highlight the seriousness of the issue and the urgent need for a stronger coordinated response." The report covers incidents from September 2025 to March 17, 2026, underscoring the persistent nature of the problem.
Mechanisms of Fraud and Industry Consequences
Scammers employed deceptive tactics, such as using stolen photos to create fake Facebook pages that imitated legitimate resorts in Santa Fe, Bantayan. This allowed them to deceive customers into sending e-wallet payments for non-existent bookings. DOT 7 Director Gelena Asis-Dimpas noted that online impersonation of travel agencies and fake accounts on platforms like Facebook and Instagram have not only caused financial losses to tourists but also disrupted business operations and eroded trust in the tourism industry.
Turista iWAS Scam Program Objectives
Introduced in 2025, the Turista iWAS Scam program aims to prevent online fraud and mitigate associated costs. The campaign has five key objectives:
- Enhance public awareness about online scams.
- Verify the authenticity of booking platforms.
- Protect tourists and industry stakeholders from financial harm.
- Strengthen collaboration within the tourism industry.
- Uphold and restore trust in digital transactions.
Dimpas stated that the initiative reinforces collaboration between government agencies and the private sector, fostering a united front against cybercrime.
Law Enforcement and Public Safety Efforts
Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Chief Regional Staff Col. Enrico Figueroa, representing PRO 7 Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, highlighted that scams compromise traveler safety beyond financial losses. Authorities aim to promote vigilance and ensure a scam-free environment through the program. The public is encouraged to report online scams to the 1326 hotline or via email at report@cicc.gov.ph for referral to the Philippine National Police anti-cybercrime unit. Additional hotlines include 09914814225, 09477147105, and 09669765971.
Verification and Legislative Measures
DOT 7 urges tourists to verify inquiries through its Accreditation Office via Viber at 09618374237 or by visiting official websites to check lists of accredited establishments. Furthermore, authorities are advocating for the proposed Hotel and Resort Online Booking Anti-Scam Act, which seeks to provide legal safeguards for travelers and establishments, ensuring a more secure online booking landscape.
