DOT-7 launches anti-scam drive amid surge in cases

The Department of Tourism in Central Visayas (DOT-7) has launched Tourista iWASSCAM, an anti-scam program aimed at protecting tourists in Cebu and Bohol from online booking fraud, following a surge in reported cases affecting travelers and tourism establishments.

- 

DOT-7 said 198 scam incidents were recorded from 26 accredited establishments with 23 in Cebu and three in Bohol involving both Filipino and foreign tourists. Of these, 183 cases were reported in Cebu and 15 in Bohol.

Marlon R. Barrientos, officer-in-charge of the DOT-7 Tourism Regulation Division, said the figures highlight the seriousness of the problem.

"These figures highlight the seriousness of the issue and the urgent need for a stronger, coordinated response," he said.

Barrientos explained that scammers have been creating fake social media pages that copy the branding and photos of legitimate hotels and resorts to deceive guests.

He noted that some fake accounts appear credible because they gain followers and engagement, making them harder to detect.