Tourists were scammed out of over 1 billion VND when booking rooms online.

(NLĐO) - The Ninh Binh Provincial Department of Tourism has launched an investigation to verify information regarding a tourist who was defrauded of over 1 billion VND when booking a hotel online.

On February 6th, Mr. Bui Van Manh, Director of the Ninh Binh Provincial Department of Tourism, stated that they had received information about tourists booking rooms through a fake fanpage impersonating an accommodation facility in the province and being scammed out of over 1 billion VND. The department is coordinating the handling of the case.

The Minawa Kenh Ga resort in Ninh Binh, where malicious individuals have repeatedly impersonated the official Facebook fan page to carry out scams. (Photo: Minawa Kenh Ga)

According to Mr. Manh, after receiving information about guests being scammed when booking rooms online, the Department of Tourism assigned its functional department to work with the resort to guide them on how to handle the situation and inform tourists. "Before the Lunar New Year 2025, this resort was targeted by malicious individuals who created fake websites and Facebook fan pages with interfaces very similar to the resort's official page to carry out fraudulent activities," Mr. Manh informed.

According to the Director of the Ninh Binh Department of Tourism, the unit regularly issues warnings to tourist areas, attractions, hotels, resorts, and homestays in the area to alert tourists to avoid being exploited and scammed out of money by unscrupulous individuals.

Just before the Lunar New Year of 2025, the Department of Tourism also sent a document to all units and accommodation establishments to strengthen security and safety measures at tourist destinations. The Department requested that units, upon discovering fake websites or fanpages, immediately report them to the authorities for timely prevention and handling, avoiding negative impacts and losses for tourists as well as damaging the image of Ninh Binh tourism.

Official and fake Facebook fan pages of Minawa Kenh Ga Resort. Photo: Ninh Binh Police.

Previously, the Ninh Binh Provincial Department of Tourism received information that a guest had booked rooms online for two adults and two children, from January 31st to February 3rd, at the Minawa Kenh Ga resort in Ninh Binh.

After messaging the resort's fanpage, the guest was informed by staff that weekend room rates started from 2.9 million VND, and holiday rates from 3.6 million VND for a Twin Room (double room). Following discussions, the guest confirmed the booking and transferred a deposit of 6.5 million VND for two rooms to the resort.

However, the resort informed the customer that the transfer had been made with the wrong information and requested that the customer copy the code provided by the resort into the transfer description for the accounting department to verify. After several consecutive transfers were reported as incorrect, the customer transferred a total of over 1 billion VND and was unable to contact the resort's representative, only then realizing they had been scammed.

Inside the Minawa Kenh Ga Resort. Photo: Minh Duong

Regarding the fraudulent use of reputable accommodation establishments to swindle money, the Ninh Binh Provincial Police also issued a warning in November 2024.

According to the Ninh Binh Provincial Police, in the context of the strong development of information technology, booking rooms at accommodation establishments such as hotels, guesthouses, homestays, etc., online is becoming increasingly popular due to its convenience and speed for tourists.

Taking advantage of this situation, some individuals have used deceptive tactics to defraud and steal property from tourists seeking accommodation by creating fake social media pages impersonating hotels, resorts, and homestays in order to steal tourists' money...

To avoid being scammed in this way, Ninh Binh Provincial Police advise tourists to carefully research information before booking hotels, resorts, homestays, etc., and to choose reputable travel service providers or booking through apps. They should be extremely wary of offers for rooms at excessively low prices, 20%-50% below market rates.

After verifying the contact information, it's necessary to carefully review the booking and cancellation policies; request the hotel to send a booking confirmation, and also ask the service provider to show you their local business licenses...

Source: https://nld.com.vn/khach-du-lich-bi-lua-hon-1-ti-dong-khi-dat-phong-tren-mang-196250206085328286.htm