Imagine booking a staycation that looks perfect in photos.
The pool, the modern interiors, the relaxing ambiance—it’s exactly what you need after a stressful week.
You send the down payment, pack your bags, and drive to the location, only to find out… you’ve been scammed.
Now imagine how frustrating it would be if the “resort” you booked turned out to be a celebrity’s private home.
That’s exactly what happened to people who thought they booked a dreamy weekend getaway, only to show up at Pokwang’s front door in Antipolo.
The actress recently took action against a scammer who had been using her home address as a fake staycation listing.
How the Scam Worked
A scammer created a fake Facebook page called “Sunnyside Resort” and posted stolen or AI-generated photos of a high-end staycation spot.
The listing looked real, and the price was tempting.
Victims were asked to send a down payment, sometimes as high as ₱7,500, to confirm their booking.
Once the payment was made, the scammer sent them Pokwang’s real home address.
When the victims arrived, they were shocked to find out there was no resort—just a private residence.
By then, the scammer had already blocked them, leaving them with no way to get their money back.
This went on for months.
Pokwang said there were days when three to five groups of people would show up at her house, expecting to check in.
She even had to put up a sign at her gate warning people about the scam.
She’s now working with the NBI Cybercrime Division to track down the person behind it.
READ: ‘Your Rewards Points Are Ready to Redeem!’—The Sneaky Credit Card Scam That Almost Got Me
This Isn’t the First Staycation Scam
Staycation scams aren’t new.
With the rise of social media travel deals, it’s becoming easier for scammers to fool people.
Here are a few other real-life cases:
🔹 The Fake Condo Rental Scam
A couple in Manila booked a weekend stay at a “luxury condo” in BGC through a Facebook page. When they arrived, the condo owner had no idea what they were talking about. The scammer had used stolen property photos and tricked multiple victims into sending payments.
🔹 The ‘Hidden Beach Resort’ That Didn’t Exist
A group of friends booked a stay at an exclusive beachfront villa in Batangas. They only realized they were scammed when they arrived and found an empty lot. The scammer had copied photos from Airbnb and created a fake listing.
🔹 The Double-Booked Airbnb
A scammer pretended to be an Airbnb host and rented out someone else’s property. They accepted direct bank transfers from guests, only for the real owner to turn them away upon arrival.
If scammers can fool so many people, how can you protect yourself?
How to Avoid Getting Scammed
1️⃣ Book Through Trusted Platforms
Always use official booking sites like Airbnb, Agoda, Booking.com, or resort websites.
These platforms verify listings and offer buyer protection.
Avoid sending payments directly to personal accounts unless you are 100% sure it’s legitimate.
2️⃣ Verify the Property
Before paying, Google the staycation name and check if it appears on trusted platforms.
Search for reviews, past guests, or any warning signs.
If you can’t find any proof that the place exists, it’s a red flag.
3️⃣ Check Reviews and Social Media Presence
A legit staycation business should have a history of reviews on Google, Facebook, or TripAdvisor.
Be suspicious if a listing has only a few reviews or if all reviews were posted in a short period.
Also, check if they regularly post updates. Scammers usually create a page, run the scam, and disappear.
4️⃣ Contact the Property Directly
If the listing has a contact number, call or message them before making any payments.
A real resort or Airbnb host should have a working phone number, business registration, and an official website or social media presence.
5️⃣ Do an Ocular Visit (If Possible)
If the staycation is within your city or nearby, consider visiting the location before sending money.
Seeing the property with your own eyes is the best way to confirm its existence.
6️⃣ Be Cautious of Super Cheap Deals
If the price is way lower than similar listings, ask yourself why.
A luxury villa for ₱2,000 per night? A beachfront resort at 70% off?
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
7️⃣ Use Secure Payment Methods
Avoid bank transfers, GCash, or PayPal friends and family payments for first-time bookings.
Use payment options that offer protection, like credit cards or official payment systems from Airbnb or Agoda.
8️⃣ Look for Red Flags in Communication
Scammers often pressure victims into making quick payments.
If the host is too pushy, refuses to answer direct questions, or avoids giving a proper receipt, it’s a warning sign.
9️⃣ Check for Legal Permits
In the Philippines, resorts and vacation rentals should be registered with the local tourism office or have a business permit.
If a listing claims to be an “exclusive resort” but has no online presence or legal documents, think twice before booking.
10️⃣ Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, trust your gut. A few extra minutes of research can save you from losing money and ruining your vacation.
Stay Sharp, Stay Safe!
Travel deals are tempting, but not all of them are real. Before booking, do your research and make sure the place actually exists.
It only takes a few extra steps to protect yourself from getting scammed.
And if someone ever tries to scam you into booking a fake resort at Pokwang’s house, well… you already know how that ends.
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