How Guests and Resort Owners Can Protect Themselves from Online Booking Scams

As a new resort owner, I was excited to welcome our first guests and begin creating memorable experiences for families and friends. We spent months preparing every detail and scheduled the opening of SONALI RESORT for March 15, 2025.

To ensure smooth operations, we developed our own website with an integrated booking engine and back-office system. Everything was ready, and one morning we woke up to a pleasant surprise—our very first booking had arrived, and the guest had completed the payment through PayPal.

My family and I were excited. We carefully inspected every corner of the resort and prepared ourselves to provide excellent service.

During those early days, a man and a woman arrived on a motorbike to inspect the resort. They loved the place and wanted to book immediately, but they appeared hesitant and cautious. Despite our assurance that we were the owners, they requested identification and additional proof that the resort was legitimate.

At first, we were surprised. However, after talking to them, we learned that they had previously been victims of an online scam. They had paid a down payment for another resort, but when they arrived at the location, neither the resort nor the person they had communicated with existed.

Their story broke our hearts.

We later noticed that many people visiting our Facebook page were asking similar questions:

• "Are you real?"

• "Do you have an actual resort?"

• "How can we be sure this is not a scam?"

Those questions inspired us to share some practical tips that may help both guests and resort owners avoid becoming victims of online booking fraud.

Tips for Guests: Verify Before You Book

1. Check the Resort Information

Never rely on a single source of information. Search the resort name on Google and compare the details you find.

Verify that the following information is consistent across all platforms:

• Resort name

• Mobile number

• Email address

• Website

• Physical address

If the information differs significantly, proceed with caution and perform additional verification.

2. Examine the Website Carefully

Having a website is a good sign, but it should not be your only basis for trust. Scammers may also create websites.

Look for:

• Secure HTTPS connection

• Complete contact information

• Physical address

• Booking process

• Social media links

• Real photos and reviews

If the website redirects you to established booking platforms such as Agoda, Booking.com, Airbnb, or Cloudbeds, ensure that those links are legitimate.

3. Verify the Facebook Page

Review the Facebook page carefully:

• Check reviews and ratings.

• Read comments on posts.

• Verify the phone number, address, and website.

• Look at the page history and activity.

• Observe whether customer interactions appear genuine.

Authentic engagement from real people is often a positive sign.

4. Check Google Maps and Reviews

Google Maps can provide valuable information.

Verify:

• Location accuracy.

• Photos and reviews.

• Website and contact details.

• Reviewer profiles.

Consistency between Google Maps, Facebook, and the official website helps establish credibility.

5. Verify Business Registration

Legitimate businesses should be properly registered.

For single proprietorships, you may verify the business through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

For corporations, you may verify registration through the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Cross-check the business name with the information provided on the resort website and social media accounts.

Responsibilities of Resort Owners

Resort owners also have a responsibility to help guests feel safe and confident.

Owners should ensure that:

• Contact information is consistent across all platforms.

• The business name is properly displayed.

• The website is updated and secure.

• Facebook and Google Business profiles contain accurate information.

• Guests can easily contact the resort through multiple channels.

• Policies and payment procedures are transparent.

Building trust is essential. A good reputation is earned through honesty, consistency, and excellent customer service.

Our Commitment

At SONALI RESORT, we understand the concerns of travelers because we have personally witnessed the impact of online scams.

That is why we strive to maintain accurate and consistent information across our website, social media pages, and Google Business Profile. Our goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for every guest.

We are proud to be a legitimate, family-oriented resort dedicated to helping families and friends create wonderful memories throughout the year.

With many resorts available in Pansol, Calamba, Los Baños, and Laguna, we continue to focus on what matters most—cleanliness, modern design, excellent service, and the trust of our guests.

Stay safe, verify before you book, and may your next vacation be filled with unforgettable memories.