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Dec 115 min read

PROJECT: THE 2024 HOLIDAY SEASON (PART 10) - HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION SCAMS

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As the festive season draws near, the excitement of planning a holiday is being overshadowed by a surge in scams

preying on online holidaymakers. Specialised Security Services has observed a sharp increase in

fraud targeting South Africans, and we urge you to stay informed and vigilant.


In South Africa, online holiday fraud has risen 900% in the last 18 months, with victims losing an average

of R17,459.57 per incident - a 4% increase from 2023. Scammers exploit platforms with fake listings,

counterfeit agencies, and even AI-generated content.

 

EXAMPLE CASE:

  • A Cape Town family recently booked what appeared to be a stunning beachfront villa through a professional website.

  • They paid the whole amount upfront after receiving confirmation emails and personal calls.

  • Upon arriving at their "destination," they found the villa did not exist.

  • The website and its operators had vanished.

 

RED FLAGS:

  • Deals too good to be true:

    • Extremely discounted high-end deals often indicate fraud.

  • Suspicious websites:

    • Always verify if the website URL starts with "https://" and check for secure payment options.

  • Pressure to pay quickly:

    • Scammers push for instant payments to secure a "limited deal."

  • Inconsistent or edited images:

    • Avoid listings with over-edited photos or vague property details.

  • When searched online, there is no verifiable address, and the property's address does not exist or match a different property.

  • The host refuses to provide a rental agreement or clear terms and conditions.

  • You receive unnecessary requests for sensitive personal information beyond standard booking details (e.g., banking details before payment).

  • The host does not provide a phone number or local contact for emergencies or questions.

  • The person claiming to rent the property cannot prove they own or manage it.

  • The scammer insists on communicating only via personal emails, WhatsApp, or other informal means instead of established platforms.

  • The host “based overseas” excuse:

    • The host claims to be overseas and unable to meet in person, often offering a “key courier service” after you pay.

    • They promise you will “just pick up the keys from the caretaker,” but there is no contact for this person.

 

SAFETY MEASURES:

  • THOROUGH VETTING:

    • Use "trusted travel agents" or platforms accredited by organisations, such as the Association of Southern African Travel Agents (ASATA): https://www.asata.co.za/.

    • Verify listings through platforms like Booking.com: https://www.booking.com/ or Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/.

    • Never pay via untraceable methods such as cash deposits or cryptocurrency.

    • Cross-check reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/.

    • A reverse image search is an online tool that reveals information such as when and where a photo was taken, who took it, and where it appears online.

      • The results can show the photo’s origin and share information from news organisations and fact-checkers.

      • For example: With Google Image Search, click its camera icon 📷 and then drag or upload an image.

      • You can also paste a web address.

    • Verify the property using online maps and tools.

    • If the property claims last-minute availability, confirm directly by calling verified contact details from the area.

    • South African travel groups on Facebook or WhatsApp often share genuine feedback on holiday rentals. Join these communities to ask questions and verify listings.

  • SCRUTINISE THE HOST'S PROFILE:

    • A legitimate host usually has a detailed and verified profile.

    • Be cautious of profiles with multiple listings, especially if they seem too good to be true.

    • Look for verified hosts and carefully read their reviews to gauge their reliability.

    • A lack of reviews does not always indicate a scam, but it should prompt further investigation.

    • Contact the property directly if you suspect the listing might be fake.

  • REVIEWS:

    • Reviews are one of the most valuable resources when booking accommodations.

    • Look for feedback on both the property and the host.

    • Properties with no reviews could be new, but in such cases, check the host’s other listings and reviews to make an informed decision.

    • It is best to steer clear if reviews are overwhelmingly negative or inconsistent.

  • SECURE PAYMENT:

    • Pay securely using credit cards or platform payment systems.

    • Avoid cash or wire transfers.

  • DOCUMENT EVERYTHING:

    • Record all communication, including emails, payment receipts, and confirmation messages.

    • This will ensure you have evidence to file a dispute or report fraud.

 

MORE RESOURCES:

 

Your holiday should be memorable for the right reasons.

Protect yourself from scams by staying alert and vigilant.

If you need assistance, do not hesitate to contact Specialised Security Services.

 

RELEVANT WARNINGS POSTED PREVIOUSLY:

 

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.


How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

 
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
 

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

Fax: 086 585 4924

Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -


EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.


STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.


POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv

 
SSS TASK TEAM:
 
 

Copyright © 2015- PRESENT | Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services | All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:

Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services

PO Box 15075 Lynn East

Pretoria, Gauteng 0039

South Africa

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