Camille Naredo

People enjoy the beach during the last sunset of the year at a beach resort in Subic Bay Freeport on December 31, 2022. Basilio H. Sepe, ABS-CBN News/File

People enjoy the beach during the last sunset of the year at a beach resort in Subic Bay Freeport on December 31, 2022. Many Filipinos head out of Metro Manila during the week between Christmas and New Year to take advantage of the long holidays. Basilio H. Sepe, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Subic Bay Freeport

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177320513395720221231-new-year-sunset-subic-bhs-1.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="People enjoy the beach during the last sunset of the year at a beach resort in Subic Bay Freeport on December 31, 2022. Basilio H. Sepe, ABS-CBN News/File" width="960"/>People enjoy the beach during the last sunset of the year at a beach resort in Subic Bay Freeport on December 31, 2022. Basilio H. Sepe, ABS-CBN News/File</div>MANILA -- The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has warned the public against vacation or accommodation scams as the Holy Week break and summer season approach.Based on the data, 29 cases of vacation scam were recorded from January to February 26 this year.According to PNP-ACG spokesperson PLt. Wallen Mae Arancillo, cybercriminals usually lure victims by posting fake advertisements on social media platforms and online marketplaces.&quot;Ang karaniwang ginagawa nila ay kumukuha sila ng mga photos and videos sa mga legit na resorts and accommodation, and pino-post nila ito sa murang halaga. Kaya marami ang nahihikayat o naeengganyo sa ganitong klaseng modus,&quot; Arancillo said. <div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/6/pnp-anti-cybercrime-group-warns-vs-vacation-scam-as-summer-season-nears-1612">READ: PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group warns vs ‘vacation scam’ as summer season nears</a></div>The police added that some scammers create accounts that offer fake staycation deals, sometimes even using the names of legitimate companies, resorts, or condominium units.&quot;Itong mga photos and videos pino-post nila sa isang account, and &#x27;yung mga accounts na ito ay nilalagyan nila ng mga comments din, mga reviews,&quot; she said. &quot;Kadalasan, mga accounts na ito ay mga bago pa lang. So tingnan natin kung marami siyang followers, kung mga reviews ba niya ay mga legit na accounts din para maiwasan natin mabiktima nila,&quot; she added. Authorities said many victims end up paying a down payment or even the full amount before arriving at the accommodation, only to be blocked online by the scammers afterward.There were also cases where the actual accommodation looked very different from the photos and videos posted online.Authorities advise the public to conduct a legitimacy check before booking online. This includes verifying the photos posted online and contacting the local government unit (LGU) to confirm whether the resort or accommodation has the necessary permits.Since the scheme involves deception, the act may constitute swindling or estafa in relation to Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.&quot;For the penalty naman, depende &#x27;yan sa gravity of the offense though ang magiging imprisonment and fines ay one degree higher compared to the traditional crime,&quot; Arancillo explained. The PNP-ACG reminded the public not to rush when booking vacations online, especially through social media.&quot;Kung makakakita tayo ng mga napakamura or &#x27;too good to be true&#x27; offers and kung hinihingan na tayo ng pera, magduda na tayo. Huwag tayo magbigay ng mga financial accounts natin or mga personal information natin,&quot; Arancillo warned.Those who fall victim to vacation or accommodation scams are urged to immediately report the incident to the PNP-ACG for prompt action.Authorities noted that cases of vacation scams usually increase during peak travel seasons such as Holy Week, when more people are booking trips and may fall for fraudulent offers online.

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has warned the public against vacation or accommodation scams as the Holy Week break and summer season approach.

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has warned the public against vacation or accommodation scams as the Holy Week break and summer season approach.

PNP warns public vs vacation scams ahead of Holy Week, summer

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PNP warns public vs vacation scams ahead of Holy Week, summer

Karen De Guzman,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 11, 2026 01:02 PM PHT

Read More:

Philippine National Police

PNP

PNP-Anti-Cybercrime Group

cybercrime

vacation scam

accommodation

holiday

Holy Week

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