UMhlanga businesses and and holiday makers were recently advised to be cautious after a spate of online scams targeting travellers.
On Tuesday, 31 December 2024, KZN SAPS warned tourists about potential online scams during the holidays. They advised tourists to verify bookings by contacting the establishment directly, avoid sharing personal information, check reviews, and to beware of deals that are too good to be true. Finally, report any suspicious activity.
Some of the most common scams included: counterfeit tour packages, fake accommodation listing and phishing scams – whereby emails and messages requesting payment or personal information under the guise of confirming bookings or itineraries.
UMhlanga Tourism Association Chairman, Duncan Heafield, said that the rise of scam travel and accommodation listings on platforms like Facebook has significantly impacted the uMhlanga community – one of the most popular tourist destination in South Africa. Heafield said, “As more travellers turn to social media for booking vacations, they often fall victim to fraudulent offers that promise luxurious stays at unbeatable prices. These scams not only lead to financial losses for unsuspecting tourists but also tarnish uMhlanga’s reputation as a safe and reliable travel destination.”
Heafield added that local businesses suffer as a result; while legitimate hotels and guesthouses see a decline in bookings, as potential visitors become wary of the area, fearing they might be scammed. “This loss of trust affects the entire hospitality sector, leading to reduced revenue and job losses for employees who rely on tourism for their livelihoods. Moreover, the emotional toll on victims can be profound. Many travellers report feelings of embarrassment and frustration after realising they have been deceived, leading to negative experiences that overshadow their trips. The community is left grappling with the consequences of these scams, which not only threaten local businesses but also compromise the overall visitor experience in uMhlanga, making it imperative for residents and authorities to raise awareness and implement protective measures against such fraudulent activities,” Heafield concluded.
