Fraudulent schemes disguised as travel agencies are on the rise, luring many travelers with enticingly cheap vacation packages that use the names of reputable travel companies. Promotional ads for budget-friendly travel packages to iconic destinations frequently flood social media, ensnaring individuals of all ages. Many fall victim to these scams, easily convinced by the fraudulent use of well-known agency names, and even the perpetrators utilize Virtual Accounts (VAs) that appear to belong to legitimate companies.
Typically, victims only realize something is amiss after they have made their payments. They often find themselves without confirmation of their trip, or the agent’s contact number becomes inactive. With 55 branches across Indonesia, Dwidayatour recently shared several tips for a hassle-free vacation during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing with Tourism Australia:
First, always verify the official website of the travel agency. Pay close attention to the domain address and the clarity of the company’s information. Legitimate travel agencies usually maintain consistent and verified communication channels. A simple way to confirm the authenticity of a social media account is to check the footer of the official website, where you will typically find social media icons linked directly to the company’s verified accounts. Click on these icons to see if the accounts are active and consistent with the brand’s identity. This step can help ensure that the promotions being offered are genuine and not traps set by unscrupulous individuals.
Travelers are also advised to verify the destination account before making any payments. “Dwidayatour officially provides a list of company accounts that can be accessed publicly through the educational section of our official website,” said Hendri Yapto, COO of Dwidayatour. To check the account history, the public can utilize resources like cekrekening.id, provided by the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo), to see if an account has been reported for fraud.
“With the rise of digital scams targeting consumers through online channels, education and caution are paramount. Don’t be easily swayed by low prices; ensure the legitimacy of the travel agency and always trace their digital footprint before making a decision,” he emphasized.
