MANILA — The Philippine National Police is again reminding the public Wednesday to be wary of so-called vacation scams — where scammers pretend to offer cheap accomodations at legitimate establishments — especially during the Holy Week break. 

Public warned: Scam calls on the rise

“Nauso po ang staycation na napo-promote sa social media and online apps, kaya meron talagang pumapasok diyan sa minsan hindi mo mamamalayan na ito pala ay nanloloko lang,” Police Colonel Jay Guillermo, chief of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group Cyber Response Unit, told Teleradyo Serbisyo on Wednesday.

(Staycations are popular and are being promoted on social media and online apps, so some people would want to avail of the deals not knowing they are being scammed)

HOW TO SPOT, AVOID THEM

In this scam, victims are enticed to purchase accommodations at a very low price and  are often asked to send money to the supposed sales agents to reserve their slots.

However, victims find out that their reservations were non-existent when they arrive at their destinations.

Metro cops on 24/7 security coverage on Holy Week

Guillermo said supposed agents pressuring the potential victims to send money at once to secure the last available room are "the biggest red flag" for these scams.

“Para bang sasabihin sa’yo na kailangan mo nang mag-down kasi pag hindi ka mag-down ngayon, hindi mo makukuha ang room kasi nag-iisa na lang. Mga ganyang diskarte,” he said.

(That will tell you to send the downpayment at once or they will lose the room. That's their style)

He said those given suspicious staycation offers should try to check the number of the supposed agent against the listed numbers of the place they will rent. Many staycation venues have listings online or can be booked through apps.

“Pag humihingi talaga ng pera, pwede naman kasing magstaycation at doon na magbabayad kung nakapagcheck-in ka na, na doon ka na physically sa bahay o room o condominium na pupuntahan mo. Doon ang usapan ng bayad, kasi hindi talaga maiiwasan na mayroong manloloko,” he added. 

(If they insist on collecting the downpayment... It should be an option to just pay at check-in, when you are already at the house or room or condominium unit. That should be the only time that you'll pay because there really are scammers)

The PNP-ACG advised the public to conduct thorough research, transact only with trusted agencies and websites for bookings, and refrain from providing personal or financial details online without verifying the legitimacy of the recipient.

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OVER 65,000 PNP PERSONNEL DEPLOYED

The PNP has deployed over 65,000 personnel nationwide to ensure a safe and peaceful observance of the Holy Week, which are part of security arrangements for the summer vacation, when many flock to provinces to visit family or to go on vacation.

“Ang deployment natin originally ay 40,151 pero special itong buong linggo na aabot sa April 14 up to April 20," Police Col. Randulf Tuano, PNP Public Information Office chief, told reporters at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Tuesday.

(We initially deployed 40,151 personnel, but this week — from April 14 to 20 — is special) 

"Meaning, magmula kahapon hanggang Sunday magdadagdag tayo ng 25,000 na PNP personnel deployment para lamang sa Semana Santa,” he added. 

(That means that from yesterday until Sunday, we deployed an additional 25,000 PNP personnel for Holy Week)

The personnel are deployed to key convergence areas, including bus terminals, airports, seaports, churches, and tourist destinations.

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