By Jenrie C. Del Rosario
STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan, Philippines — As tourism services increasingly move online, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is urging travelers to practice digital vigilance and verify tourism establishments before booking or making payments.
DOT Ilocos Assistant Regional Director Evangeline Dadat said travelers should not rely solely on a social media page when determining whether an establishment is legitimate.
“Mag-ingat kapag nakikipag-transact online sa mga tourism establishment, lalo na ngayon na mas madaling gumawa ng pekeng pages at mga promotional materials na mukhang totoo,” Dadat cautioned.
(Be careful when transacting with tourism establishments online, especially now that it is easier to create fake pages and promotional materials that look real.)
Spotting red flags
Travelers should watch for offers that are “too good to be true”—unusually large discounts, freebies, and pages that pressure customers to immediately pay a down payment.
Misspelled establishment names and suspicious social media pages may also indicate a fraudulent account.
Verify before paying
Dadat urged travelers to contact the establishment directly before making any payment, particularly when booking accommodations, tours, and other tourism services online.
“Mas mabuting tumawag o mag-email muna kayo para matiyak kung legit talaga ang establishment bago kayo makipag-transact,” Dadat said.
(It is better to call or email first to make sure the establishment is legitimate before transacting with them.)
AI adds new risks
Dadat also cautioned the public against increasingly convincing digital content, noting that artificial intelligence (AI) can now imitate people’s faces and create materials that may appear authentic.
She reminded travelers to remain critical of information encountered online and to take time to verify claims before making transactions.
Report suspected scams
Dadat said travelers who encounter suspected online scams can report them through the 1326 hotline of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).
They may also seek assistance from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division.
She urged travelers to check booking details and contact establishments through their official channels before paying.
Taking these precautions can help travelers avoid fraudulent transactions while enjoying the convenience of digital tourism. (CCMT/JCDR, PIA Pangasinan)
