Baguio booking scam exposed

BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio City government has reiterated its warning against a scam on bookings at popular accommodation facilities here through unverified online channels.

The Office of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong noted an increase of incidents in which unsuspecting tourists are being conned, among them an actor who recently got scammed by a social media page that offered him a reservation at a Camp John Hay Forest Homes Cabin.

Upon checking, the Camp John Hay Forest Homes Cabin social media page had 11,000 followers, giving the public an impression of legitimacy, the mayor’s office said.

The actor’s experience was reported to Baguio City police’s anti-cybercrime unit, which is now conducting an investigation to unmask the scammers.

The city government advised the public to verify with visita.baguio.gov.ph or call the Permits and Licensing Division at (074) 619-3184 to confirm if they are transacting with legitimate parties.

The list of accredited accommodation establishments in the city can also be checked through https://www.facebook.com/325190721363838/posts/764765384073034/?extid=0&. — Artemio A. Dumlao