Public warned of tourist accommodation scam in Baguio City

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Baguio City government has reiterated its warning against the lingering accommodation scam in the city.

The latest victim was actor Derek Ramsay who claimed he was scammed by social media page called Camp John Hay Forest Homes Cabin.

The Office of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong noted an increase of incidents where unsuspecting tourists were conned by   online accommodation transactions.
 
The Camp John Hay Forest Homes Cabin social media page had 11,000 followers, making it look legitimate.
 
The city government said Ramsey’s case had already been reported to the Baguio City police’s anti-cybercrime unit which will conduct a thorough investigation into the fake page and other online scamming complaints.

The city government further reminded the public to be doubly careful in their accommodation transactions in Baguio City as more people are reporting more scamming incidents, where unscrupulous persons posing as owners of accommodation establishments and even residential houses for transient bookings. 

To verify legitimacy of transactions, the city government suggested tourists to call the Permits and Licensing Division at (074) 619-3184 to confirm the names of registered owner/s and their contact numbers.

The list of accredited accommodation establishments in the city may also be verified via the visita.baguio.gov.ph, while list of accredited Baguio Travel Agents can be be viewed on this link.