PNP: Beware of fake Airbnb, car rental scam

As thousands of Filipinos are expected to travel to the provinces for Undas this long weekend, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has urged the public to stay vigilant against fraudulent Airbnb listings and “rent-tangay” vehicle rental scams.

- By EMMANUEL TUPAS

PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuafio urged people to be cautious of houses and vehicles offered online at unusually low prices, warning that these may be scams.

“If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. This means that if the offer is too cheap, it’s likely a scam,” Tuafio said during a media forum organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government on Tuesday.

The PNP has intensified its public information campaign to warn travelers against fraudulent rental transactions.

It has also begun deploying police officers ahead of the expected surge of travelers and cemetery visitors during the observance of Undas.

“This proactive measure aims to ensure smoother coordination and preparedness before the expected influx of travelers later this week,” acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.