On May 9, the Department of Cyber Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention of Lam Dong Provincial Police said that increased travel demand in the summer of 2026 has led many people to choose online booking thanks to its convenience and speed.
Taking advantage of this, the subjects have impersonated the websites and Facebook of hotels and resorts in key tourist areas such as Da Lat, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet... to deceive customers into transferring deposits.
According to functional agencies, although no reports related to hotel booking scams have been recorded in the province, the situation of impersonating reputable accommodation establishments is on the rise and becoming complicated, especially on social networks.
Subjects often buy back social media accounts with many followers, then use real images of hotels and resorts to create fake pages with interfaces similar to official pages to create trust.
In addition, they also copy the operating content, promotional programs, and customer care services of real accommodation establishments; and run advertisements to increase virtual interaction.
Room rates are usually offered at a not too low level compared to the market to avoid suspicion. After customers agree to book a room, the subjects request to transfer the deposit and send a fake booking code or ticket code to create trust.
With many reasons such as "keeping rooms", "receiving incentives" or "paying in advance to get a discount", the subjects continue to lure customers to transfer more money and then appropriate it.
Faced with the above situation, Lam Dong Provincial Police recommends that people and tourists need to be vigilant and carefully check website information and social media accounts before transacting; prioritize booking rooms through official channels or reputable units.
People should also compare information through many sources, request business licenses when necessary and be wary of unusual discount programs.
When requested to transfer deposit money, it is necessary to carefully verify the receiving account, not to pay the full amount in advance and prioritize direct transactions if possible.
If signs of fraud are detected, people need to quickly report to the nearest police agency for support in handling according to legal regulations.
