BY JOEL C. ESCOL, Managing Editor
The public is urged to exercise heightened vigilance when making flight and hotel purchases online, particularly from questionable online travel agents.
The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group reports a staggering 16-fold increase in travel-related online scams over the past two years, with the number of victims rising from 51 cases in 2021 to 842 in 2023.
Nearly half of these victims lost money in pursuit of discounted flights and accommodations, resulting in a total loss of PHP 13.2 million in 2023 alone.
The scams are categorized into two types: “fakebooking,” where scammers pilfer personal information, and cases where individuals lose money to illegitimate online travel agents.
Lt. Col. Jay Guillermo, spokesperson for PNP-ACG, advises the public to use legitimate websites or applications for transactions to ensure security and monitoring of online activities.
Rowena Rivera, Head of Travel – Philippines at airasia MOVE in a press statement said, each legit travel companies must emphasize the importance of using reputable booking platforms like airasia Superapp.
Rivera highlights the app’s commitment to data security, encryption, and clear transaction details. Travelers are encouraged to follow safety tips, including researching and verifying platforms, avoiding deals that seem too good to be true, watching for red flags in communication, and booking directly through recognized travel apps like airasia Superapp.
To avoid scams, users are advised to download the airasia Superapp from trusted sources such as the App Store, Google Play, or AppGallery.
Additionally, individuals should steer clear of unlicensed companies and social media groups. To stay informed about promotions and discounts, travelers can follow @airasiasuperapp.ph on Instagram.
GRAPHIC SOURCE: Source: Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group
