POLICE in KwaZulu-Natal have noted with grave concern fraudulent activities where tourists visiting certain regions of the province have fallen victims to online scammers.

“Cases ranging from fake accommodation bookings, guided tour packages, and phishing schemes designed to steal personal and financial information from travellers and tourists have been reported to the police. Investigations are underway and no stone will be left unturned in pursuit of criminals who are out to bring the tourism industry to its knees and in turn defraud the state of substantial amount in revenue. Those responsible for this crime should be aware that the cyber-crime section of the police, working with other units,  are hot on their heels.

“Police in conjunction with Ilembe District Municipality’s tourism entity Enterprise Ilembe, and private establishments in the tourism and leisure industry wish to alert residents and visitors of a growing trend of online scams targeting tourists that are visiting or planning to visit the area’s tourist destinations,” said KZN SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda.

How to protect yourself from common online scams

Common Scams Identified so far:

* Fake Accommodation Listings: Fraudulent listings on online platforms offering non-existent or unavailable accommodation.

*Counterfeit Tour Packages: Offers of “exclusive” deals for guided tours that do not exist.

* Phishing Scams: Emails or messages requesting payment or personal information under the guise of confirming bookings or itineraries.

Advice to Tourists:

■Verify Bookings: Please use reputable booking platforms and contact establishments directly to confirm reservations.

■Beware of Deals Too Good to Be True: If an offer seems unrealistically cheap, it is likely a scam.

■Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Do not provide personal or financial details to unsolicited messages or emails.

■Check Reviews: Look for genuine reviews and ratings to verify service providers.

■Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to local authorities immediately.

Law enforcement and cybersecurity experts are urging victims of these scams to report such incidents to the police so that such issues are tackled and to ensure the safety of visitors.

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