MANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Tuesday warned the public against several travel booking scams that overpromise on vacation or hotel accommodation promos.

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The DTI has received several complaints about suppliers that do not honor online bookings or are accused of false advertising for either destinations or accommodations, Trade Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles told state television PTV.

“Minsan dumadating sila sa location tapos hindi ino-honor yung booking nila or minsan sinasabi na first class o napakaganda ng ibubook nila pero hindi naman pala,” she said.

(Sometimes, their bookings are not honored when they arrive at the location. Sometimes, they book first class but these fall below expectations.)

“Ang warning po natin sa ating mga consumers: Mag-book o makipag-transact lamang sa mga lehitimong travel agents o yung mga providers na alam niyo na registered sila. Tingnan po natin yung mga permits nila,” she said.

(We are warning consumers: Book or transact only with legitimate travel agents or providers who are duly registered. Check their permits.)

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Nograles could not provide the number of complaints they received about these travel scams, but she noted that these are usually seasonal incidents.

Vacationers, especially those who book services online, should check the fine print of these deals, the DTI official said.

“Bago po tayo magbayad, siguraduhin po natin na doon tayo sa tamang payment instructions at kung magbayad man tayo, ano ang ieexpect kapag magbabayad? Kaliwaan ba ibibigay ang electronic copy ng ticket o yung reservation sa accommodation?” she said.

“Makikita naman sa mga reviews kung mayroon doon aberya o mga reklamo nila tungkol sa nagbebenta ng ticket o reservation sa accommodations,” she added.

(Before paying, we should make sure that we are following the correct payment instructions and what we are expected to receive upon payment Will we immediately get an electronic copy of the ticket or a reservation in an accommodation?)

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Those who may have been victimized by these travel scams may report fraudulent service providers by sending an email to consumercare@dti.gov.ph.

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