SCAM WATCH PH ALERTS PUBLIC ON TOP HOLY WEEK TRAVEL SCAMS

Scam Watch Pilipinas warned Filipinos to be vigilant against common travel scams ahead of the Holy Week exodus, as rising oil prices drive up airfares and create opportunities for fraud. The top scams include fake accommodations offered at unusually low rates, fake Wi-Fi hotspots used to steal personal data, “too-good-to-be-true” flight or travel deals, and unauthorized sellers on social media pressuring travelers to pay outside official channels. Jocel de Guzman, co-founder of Scam Watch PH, urged the public to verify deals directly with airlines or hotels, use official travel apps, and avoid rushed payments or suspicious links. Travelers are also advised to adopt a “Kontra Scam Attitude,” exercising caution with money and reporting suspicious incidents to the national anti-scam hotline 1326. Awareness and careful verification are emphasized as the strongest defenses against scams during the peak travel season of Holy Week.