ILOILO City – Cybercriminals are expected to intensify their attacks on online shoppers and holiday travelers in Western Visayas as Christmas spending picks up, prompting the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) to warn the public against fake online stores, bogus hotel reservations and fraudulent airline bookings.
RACU chief Police Colonel Richard Habawel said the “ber” months traditionally bring increased online transactions as consumers shop for Christmas gifts and families begin arranging accommodations and flights for holiday trips — creating more opportunities for scammers to prey on unsuspecting victims.
“During ‘ber’ months, tumataas mga incidents ng online shopping scams,” Habawel said.
Authorities warned consumers to be particularly suspicious of online products and services offered at prices significantly lower than prevailing market rates, saying unusually attractive deals could be used as bait by scammers.
“We remind the public to be very alert. Think before you click sa mga order ninyo,” Habawel said.
He urged consumers to verify the legitimacy and reliability of sellers before making payments, particularly when buying Christmas presents through social media and online marketplaces.
“You determine the reliability ng mga online shops na ino-order-ran niyo ng mga gusto ninyo, for example mga gifts this Christmas,” he said.
RACU is also raising the alarm over fraudulent accommodation and travel transactions as Filipinos begin making plans for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
“Dito rin tumaas ‘yung mga scams sa mga accommodations and mga hotels. Mga peke na booking, not only sa mga hotel rooms, pati na rin sa mga flights and plane tickets. May mga ganyan na,” Habawel said.
Scammers may advertise nonexistent hotel rooms or vacation accommodations and demand advance payments from victims. Others may sell bogus airline tickets or reservations, leaving travelers stranded when they attempt to check in or board their flights.
Habawel advised travelers to transact only through established and reputable booking platforms and verify websites or accounts before giving personal information or sending payments.
“So be sure to book sa mga reputable websites. Doon kayo mag-transact ng mga purchases and reservations this Yuletide season,” he said.
The warning comes as the PRO-6 prepares for increased public activity during the “ber” months, traditionally marking the beginning of the Philippines’ extended Christmas season.
Police units across Western Visayas are expected to strengthen visibility and monitoring in commercial establishments, transport terminals, tourist destinations and other areas where heavier pedestrian and vehicle traffic is anticipated.
RACU stressed that the holiday rush is not confined to physical establishments, as increased digital activity also gives cybercriminals more opportunities to target consumers.
The public was advised to verify the official pages and websites of hotels, airlines and other establishments rather than rely solely on advertisements or links circulated through social media.
Habawel said vigilance must begin before consumers click links, place orders or transfer money, particularly when dealing with unfamiliar sellers and booking accounts./PN
