The Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) 7 has raised the alarm over increasing complaints from local tourists who have fallen victim to online booking scams through fake Facebook pages of popular resorts and hotels in Central Visayas.
Summer Season Triggers Surge in Scams
Police Colonel Artemio Ricabo, Regional Chief of RACU 7, stated that this type of fraud is the top internet crime they are urgently addressing, especially during the summer season. He explained that most victims are non-Cebu residents who simply wanted to go on vacation.
Modus Operandi of Scammers
According to Ricabo, scammers create fake Facebook accounts or pages using the name and photos of a popular resort. They offer cheap or attractive online booking promos and ask for a downpayment via online transfer. Once the money is received, the victim is immediately blocked and can no longer be contacted.
“Our constituents are pitiful because they book online using those fake Facebook pages, which copy the resort’s Facebook account,” Ricabo said. Many tourists are shocked upon arriving at the resort to find their names not recorded and their large payments gone.
Challenges in Pursuing Scammers
RACU 7 admitted that identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators is a major challenge due to the lengthy legal processes required, and there is no guarantee of immediate arrest of those responsible.
Other Common Cybercrimes
Aside from fake booking scams, RACU 7 also listed other top cybercrimes they handle: loan scams, investment scams, hijack profile scams (hacking of personal Facebook accounts), fake receipt scams, package scams, and GCash scams.
