Baguio hoists warning vs transient, lodging house scams

Baguio City officials as well as the Baguio Tourism Council hoisted a stern warning to tourists against transient house scammers using online booking and accommodations.

Acting on various complaints from numerous tourists and online accommodations, the city government and BTC launched its latest public awareness campaign, “Huwag maging BIKTIMA. Be Scam Aware!”, seeking to safeguard tourists and residents from scams and fraudulent activities, particularly those related to online booking and accommodations.

The “Huwag maging BIKTIMA. Be Scam Aware!” launch coincided with the “Enchanting Baguio Christmas Market at the Rose Garden, Burnham Park” launch on November 28, also marking the Holiday season’s expected influx of visitors to Baguio.

The centerpiece of the campaign is an informative and engaging infomercial, a project of the Baguio Tourism Council G2 Sector, which is composed of owners and operators of small-to medium-sized accommodation establishments. 

This group plays a vital role in Baguio’s tourism industry and is committed to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of both residents and visitors. 

The infomercial seeks to: Educate the Public: Shed light on common scamming techniques used by fraudsters, particularly those targeting tourists via social media and online platforms. Promote Scam Prevention: Provide actionable advice on verifying the authenticity of rental listings and identifying trusted sources of information. Encourage Safe Tourism Practices: Direct tourists and residents to reliable resources, including the Baguio Tourism Council’s verified database DOT-CAR and City Permits and Licensing Division listings, to avoid falling prey to scams.

“Scams have the potential to undermine the trust and confidence of tourists visiting our city,” said BTC Chairperson Gladys Vergara.  “As a community, it is our responsibility to ensure that visitors feel safe and secure while experiencing the beauty of Baguio. This campaign is an essential step in educating the public and strengthening our collective effort to combat fraud and protect everyone’s well-being.”

“The launch of this campaign could not come at a better time, as we prepare to welcome a surge of holiday visitors,” Au Alambra, representative of the BTC G2 Sector added.  “We are grateful to BTC Chair Vergara for her unwavering support and leadership, which made this project a reality.”

Through this campaign, we aim to protect both locals and tourists, ensuring that everyone’s experience in Baguio is safe and enjoyable.” Scams and fraudulent activities have become a growing concern nationwide, and Baguio City is no exception.  As a premier tourist destination, Baguio attracts thousands of visitors, making it essential to proactively address these threats. “The safety and trust of our residents and visitors are our top priorities,”

a representative from the BTC also remarked.  “Through this campaign, we hope to create a community that is vigilant and well-informed, ensuring that Baguio remains a safe haven for all.”