Scam Watch Pilipinas, in partnership with the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), asked Filipinos to stay alert against travel-related scams.
Scam Watch Pilipinas co-founder Jocel de Guzman cited the group’s efforts to raise awareness, including their seasonal campaigns targeting various scams.
“We’re once again reminding the public to stay vigilant against these scams, which range from fake accommodations to bogus travel deals. Awareness is key in the fight against scammers,” de Guzman said.
He said this season’s focus is on the “14 Travel Scams”, following their “12 Scams of Christmas” and “8 Love Scam Profiles” for Valentine’s Day.
Among the 14 scams identified are deceptive offers for fake accommodations at low rates, Wi-Fi hotspots designed to steal personal data and flight and hotel deals that disappear after payment.
They also warned travelers about ‘free’ vacation traps, fraudulent travel agents, overpriced tours, charity cons, counterfeit cash, hidden CCTV cameras and fake taxis charging inflated fees. On social media, scams include false sales of lost luggage, fake SIM cards and cheap flight tickets, he said.
Scammers posing as fixers at transport hubs continue to target unsuspecting travelers, the group said.
“Educating the public about these deceptive practices, particularly online, is essential to preventing manipulation and fraud,” said PNP-ACG acting director Brigadier General Bernard Yang.
He encouraged victims to report scams via the National Anti-Scam Hotline at 1326, or PNP-ACG’s hotline at (02) 8723-0401 (loc 7491), or through mobile numbers 0968-8674302, 09671360322, or 09929893889.
A recent report from the anti-scam app Whoscall shows a significant shift in scam tactics, with SMS scams declining by 68.3 percent to 648,239 instances from over 2 million percent year-on-year.
Scam calls, meanwhile, surged in the first quarter of 2025.
