Vietnam police warn of holiday travel booking scams

Police in Vietnam are warning the public about increasingly sophisticated online booking scams targeting travelers during the National Day holiday period. Fraudsters are creating fake social media fanpages that mimic major hospitality brands, such as Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang and Sun World, using stolen logos, images, and promotional content to build credibility.

Scammers often lure victims with deep discounts or limited-time vacation combos. Once a victim attempts to book, the criminals may use several tactics to steal more money. After an initial deposit is made, they often claim the transaction failed due to an incorrect transfer description or a system error. They then instruct victims to transfer additional funds or provide sensitive information, such as OTP codes or screen-sharing access, under the guise of processing a refund or confirming the transaction.

Authorities, including the Gia Lai Provincial Police, advise citizens to remain vigilant when booking hotels, restaurants, or flights online and to report any suspicious transaction requests to the nearest police station.