The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) is warning the public against vacation scams as the vacation season approaches.

According to the PNP ACG Spokesperson, PLt. Wallen Mae Arancillo, the public must remain cautious and avoid sharing personal and financial information with anyone to protect themselves from scammers.

“Kung (may) makikita po tayong napakamura or too good to be true offers and kung hinihingan na po tayo ng pera, downpayment or full payment, magduda na po tayo. Lalong lalo na huwag po tayong magbigay ng mga financial accounts po natin or mga personal information po natin,” she said

[“If we notice very affordable and too good to be true offers and they are asking for money, down payment, or full payment, we should be suspicious. Most importantly, let’s refrain from disclosing our financial accounts and personal information.”]

PLt. Arancillo added that scammers may create fake advertisements. They steal photos and videos from the legitimate resorts or condominiums and will utilize those materials for advertising. This is their strategy to attract potential customers.

“Kadalasan po may ginagamit po (silang) mga companies or mismong legit na akomodisyon - resorts man ito or condominium and ang mga ginagawa po nila itong mga photos and videos po, pinopost nila sa isang account and yung mga accounts na ito ay nilalagyan po nila ng mga comments din, mga reviews,” she added

[“Oftentimes, they use actual companies or legitimate accommodations, either resorts or condominium and what they do to the photos and videos, they post them to one account, and in that account, they put comments on it, and reviews.”]

Additionally, scammers typically ask for a down payment through online money transfer. Once the payment has settled, they will block the victim.

The PNP ACG has also received complaints where the scammers offer fake accommodations to the victims.

“Pagdating nila don sa mismong accomodation ay wala palang resort or ganitong klaseng hotel sa ganong lugar,” PLt. Arancillo said

[“Upon arrival at the accommodation, they discover that there is no such resort or hotel exists in that place.”]

The PNP has recorded 29 cases related to vacation scams from January to February 2026. This is slightly higher than the previous record of 28 cases in 2025 in the same month.

With reports from Lea Ylagan

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