Around the festive season, it’s a well-known fact that we, as South Africans, love to travel. Families and couples leave their day-to-day lives to take a break. Some travel down to the coast to enjoy the fresh, salty air of Durban’s beaches, while others travel inland to enjoy the big city life Johannesburg has to offer. But, things don’t always turn out as well as they should.
Over the last couple of years, more and more people are caught out by holiday accommodation scams. Con artists take advantage of holiday makers because they know they are looking for great deals on accommodation and because people are often too trusting to second guess the credibility of the deal they have found.
Protect yourself and your bank account from being a victim this festive season. Here are a few things to keep an eye out for, so you can spot a scam a mile away:
PICTURE PERFECT ACCOMMODATION
Often, scammers post pictures of beautiful looking accommodation on private sites. They ask for what seems like very little to hire the place for a few weeks. People who enquire are sometimes given an address, which they can look up to verify the place does exist. But, the trouble comes in when two or more families pitch up at the same address at the same time. The home owners then answer the door, angry and confused, because strangers are saying they have rented their home for the festive season.
Often con artists take photographs of other people’s homes and post them on private holiday accommodation sites and other classified advertising sites. They then take your deposit and disappear. Leaving you with much lighter pockets and without a place to stay.
PARTING WAYS WITH YOUR MONEY
If you haven’t signed an agreement, be careful of deals where you’re asked to pay large sums of money up front. Also, be wary of depositing money into suspicious accounts. Most holiday accommodation, i.e. hotels and chalets, ask for a deposit to secure your booking. They are, however, reputable, have an online presence and are well known.
To protect yourself and your bank account, ask for a copy of the person’s ID or ask them to meet you in person. You should also make a point of getting their contact details, including email addresses and contact numbers. If the person is unwilling to send you all their details or meet you in person, we suggest stopping all contact with them and reporting them.
BE SMART AND AVOID SCAMS ALL TOGETHER
The best way to avoid a scam is to book holiday accommodation at a trust worthy hotel. Booking your holiday through a noteworthy agency or doing it yourself online is the best way to ensure you’ll get value for money and you won’t be a victim of a scam.
Other benefits of booking your much-needed time away with a well-established hotel is that they are there to answer all your queries, they can assist you with finding holiday related activities that will interest you and they are open and available throughout the year. Plus, you have a 100% guarantee they’re not going to take your money and run!
City Lodge Hotel Group is the perfect holiday accommodation. Whether you’re a family looking for a place to stay while making amazing memories, or love birds looking to relax and unwind in our cool and comfy rooms.
For more information on trust worthy and value for money holiday accommodation this festive season, visit our website: clhg.com.