According to Da Nang authorities, in the digital age, it has become common for people to book hotels, flights, and tours via social media. However, this convenience has also become fertile ground for online scammers.

Recent reports show a spike in fake hotel fanpages impersonating well-known resorts in Da Nang and other tourist hotspots like Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Sa Pa. These fake pages are designed to steal deposits from unsuspecting travelers.

Police say the scammers create fanpages using names, images, logos, and descriptions that closely resemble those of real luxury hotels. These pages are then boosted with paid ads offering attractive deals such as “5-star rooms from just VND 300,000–500,000/night” (about USD 12–20), along with enticing calls to action like “Book now” or “Limited-time offers.”

Once a user shows interest, the scammers reach out via messages or phone calls, persuading them to transfer a deposit - typically 30–50% of the room rate. They often promise full refunds if bookings are canceled, to build trust. Some even send professional-looking confirmation emails or connect through apps like Zalo to appear legitimate.

However, after receiving the deposit, the fake fanpages are deleted, and all communication is cut off. The contact numbers used are typically untraceable prepaid SIM cards, making it difficult for authorities to investigate.

In response to this growing issue, Da Nang Police advise the public and tourists to remain vigilant and follow these safety tips:

Carefully check the fanpage: review the creation date, number of followers, and user reviews. Fake pages often have low engagement and recent creation dates.

Always verify hotel information directly through official channels such as the hotel's website or verified phone numbers listed on Google Maps.

Never transfer deposits to personal bank accounts. Legitimate hotels typically require payments through corporate accounts or trusted booking platforms like Agoda, Booking.com, or Traveloka.

Be especially cautious with offers that seem too good to be true. Five-star hotel rooms advertised at one-half or one-third of market rates are highly suspicious.

Check the fanpage's transparency section by clicking “About” and then “Page Transparency” to see its history, origin, and administrators.

Anyone who suspects fraudulent activity should report it immediately to authorities for prompt investigation.

Ho Giap