On Fukuoka, efforts are being intensified to combat fraud in online bookings
Fake housing rental listings, fictitious tourist services, and requests to transfer prepayments to personal accounts have prompted tighter controls in Phu Quoc. Following complaints from vacationers, local authorities announced a three-month campaign to combat fraud in the tourism sector, which will run from October to December 2026.
Special attention will be paid to online booking of hotels, excursions, transport, and other services. According to reports from tourists, fraudsters use social media to post attractive offers while posing as representatives of real hotels or travel companies.
One common scheme involves publishing fake listings with выгодными prices. After a client makes contact, the scammers persuade them to make a prepayment or pay for the booking in full by transferring money to a specified bank account. After receiving the funds, the seller may cut off communication, and the promised service turns out to be unavailable.
As part of the campaign, authorities will inspect hotels, travel agencies, transport companies, and other organizations providing services to vacationers. Oversight will also extend to online platforms and sales channels through which tourists make bookings.
The goal of the inspections is to identify unscrupulous service providers, stop the use of fake listings, and improve tourist safety when making online purchases.
Foreigners living in Phu Quoc or planning a trip are advised to follow a few simple rules: book services through official websites and trusted platforms, verify that the payment recipient’s name matches the company’s details, and do not transfer money to suspicious personal accounts.
Particular caution should be exercised with offers priced significantly below market rates, as well as in situations where the seller demands an urgent prepayment in order to keep the discount.
If problems arise with tourist services, you can contact the local rapid response service at 1900 1720. If fraud is suspected, it is recommended to save correspondence, payment documents, and information about the seller, and then contact the police.
Inspection period: October — December 2026 Territory: Phu Quoc Tourist service hotline: 1900 1720
