The Cebu Provincial Tourism Office (CPTO) has issued a stern warning to the public regarding a surge in online booking scams. Fraudsters are creating counterfeit social media pages impersonating legitimate tourism establishments across the province.
How the Scam Operates
In a public advisory posted on the Cebu Province Public Information Facebook page on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, authorities revealed the scam's primary targets. The cybercriminals are focusing on travelers who make online reservations, particularly through Facebook and other social media platforms. These fake pages mimic real hotels, resorts, and tour operators to deceive unsuspecting tourists.
Essential Safety Guidelines for Travelers
To avoid becoming a victim, the CPTO, in coordination with the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) 7, urges the public to follow critical safety measures. First, only conduct transactions with Facebook-verified pages that display the official blue checkmark. Second, thoroughly verify the page's authenticity by checking reviews, comments, and cross-referencing with the establishment's official website.
Authorities also advise extra caution regarding payments. Travelers should be vigilant when asked for a down payment and must avoid paying any additional charges outside the official booking process. Requesting extra fees beyond the agreed-upon amount is a major red flag for fraud.
Reporting Fraudulent Activity
Victims of these scams and anyone who encounters suspicious accounts are urged to report the incident immediately. Reports should be directed to RACU 7 at the hotline number 0998-5988105. This allows authorities to act swiftly in taking down the fraudulent pages and investigating the perpetrators.
The advisory concludes with a clear message for all travelers: "Stay safe and protect your travel plans by booking wisely." This alert underscores the need for heightened digital vigilance as tourism in Cebu continues to thrive.
