Warning: Fake Resort Pages on Facebook — How to Avoid Booking Scams

Facebook has become a popular platform for Filipinos to discover and book private resorts. Unfortunately, scammers have taken notice. In recent months, hundreds of tourists have fallen victim to fake resort pages that steal money and ruin vacation plans. ## The Growing Problem of Resort Booking Scams In early 2026, authorities in Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu reported that **over 200 tourists** had been scammed by fake resort booking pages since September 2025. The total losses exceeded **P1 million** from 198 documented complaints. These aren't isolated incidents. In Batangas, fake Facebook accounts have been caught impersonating legitimate beach resorts like Porto Laiya Beach Resort, using stolen photos and logos to deceive unsuspecting tourists. ## How the Scam Works The typical resort booking scam follows this pattern: 1. **Creating fake pages**: Scammers create Facebook pages that copy the name, photos, and branding of legitimate resorts. They often add small variations like extra numbers or slightly different spelling. 2. **Posting stolen content**: They download photos from real resort pages and repost them as their own. Some even steal promotional videos. 3. **Offering "discounts"**: The fake pages advertise rates significantly below market price to attract budget-conscious travelers. 4. **Urgency tactics**: Scammers create pressure by saying things like "Only 2 slots left for this weekend!" or "Promo ends today!" 5. **Personal payment requests**: Instead of using secure payment methods, they ask victims to send money via GCash, Maya, or bank transfer to personal accounts. 6. **Disappearing act**: Once payment is received, they block the victim and delete the page — or simply stop responding. ## Real Cases That Made Headlines ### Porto Laiya Beach Resort Impersonation (Batangas) In March 2025, the legitimate Porto Laiya Beach Resort warned the public about fake Facebook accounts using their resort's name, photos, and logo. Scammers were collecting payments for reservations at the resort that they had no authority to book. ### Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island Scam Ring (Cebu) Authorities reported that 198 tourists filed complaints about being scammed by fake resort pages targeting visitors to Sta. Fe, a popular beach destination. The scammers operated multiple fake pages, sometimes impersonating different resorts simultaneously. Losses ranged from a few thousand pesos to tens of thousands per victim. ### Nationwide "Turista iWas Scam" Campaign The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) launched the "Turista iWas Scam" campaign to educate travelers about these scams. The campaign emphasizes verifying accommodations through official channels before making any payments. ## Red Flags to Watch For Learn to spot these warning signs: ### 1. Unverified or New Pages - Check when the page was created (scam pages are usually very new) - Look for the blue verification checkmark on legitimate business pages - Review the page's history — does it have years of consistent posts? ### 2. Too-Good-To-Be-True Pricing - If a resort that normally costs P10,000/night is offering P3,000, be suspicious - Extremely low "promo rates" are a common lure - Compare prices with other booking platforms or the official website ### 3. Payment to Personal Accounts - Legitimate resorts use business accounts, not personal GCash/Maya - Be wary of names that don't match the resort name - Never send money to accounts with suspicious details ### 4. Pressure Tactics - "Book now or lose the slot!" - "This promo expires in 1 hour!" - Genuine resorts don't pressure you — they have steady business ### 5. Poor Communication - Broken English or inconsistent messaging style - Unable or unwilling to answer specific questions about the resort - No phone number or only uses Messenger ### 6. Stock or Stolen Photos - Do a reverse image search on Google to see if photos appear elsewhere - Look for watermarks from other resorts or photographers - Check if the page has any original, casual photos (not just professional shots) ## How to Book Safely ### Verify the Resort Exists - Search for the resort on Google Maps - Look for reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, or other platforms - Call the resort directly using a phone number from their official website ### Check Official Channels - Visit the resort's official website (not just Facebook) - Contact them through multiple channels to confirm - Look for consistent branding and contact information across platforms ### Use Trusted Booking Platforms Platforms like **Pribado** verify resort listings before publishing them. When you book through Pribado: - All resorts are reviewed and verified - Payment is made directly to the resort owner's validated account - You have a record of your transaction - Support is available if issues arise ### Pay Securely - Avoid sending large amounts to unverified personal accounts - Use platforms that offer payment protection - Keep records of all communications and payments - Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, don't proceed ### Verify Before You Travel - Confirm your booking with the resort 1-2 days before arrival - Get the complete address and directions - Have a backup plan in case something goes wrong ## What to Do If You've Been Scammed If you've fallen victim to a resort booking scam: 1. **Document everything**: Save screenshots of the page, conversations, and payment receipts 2. **Report to Facebook**: Flag the fake page so others aren't victimized 3. **File a police report**: Go to your local police station or contact the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group 4. **Report to the DOT**: The Department of Tourism tracks these incidents 5. **Alert your bank/e-wallet**: They may be able to help trace or recover funds 6. **Share your experience**: Warn others by posting about the scam (without sharing personal details) ## The Role of Legitimate Resorts If you own a resort, protect your brand and guests: - Regularly search for fake pages using your resort's name - Report impersonators to Facebook immediately - Clearly communicate your official booking channels to guests - Use verified payment methods and business accounts - List on trusted platforms that verify identities ## Book With Confidence on Pribado At Pribado, we take scam prevention seriously: - **Verified Listings**: Every resort is reviewed before going live - **Direct Owner Connection**: You communicate and pay the actual property owner - **Transparent Payments**: QR codes link to the owner's verified accounts - **Review System**: See real feedback from past guests - **Support Team**: Help is available when you need it Don't let scammers ruin your vacation. Book verified private resorts on Pribado and travel with peace of mind. --- *Sources: Interaksyon/Philstar (March 2025), The Freeman/Philstar (February 2026), SunStar Cebu (2025)*