Restaurant booking scam alert: How to avoid becoming a victim
A new scam is targeting diners and travellers booking restaurants and hotels online. Here’s how to avoid falling victim to scammers.
Scammers are constantly finding new ways to make money, and one of the latest tricks involves defrauding unsuspecting diners and travellers.
A recent scam targeting restaurant and hotel bookings has been making the rounds on social media. The scam involves changing the contact details that appear on Google business listings, including phone numbers and email addresses.
This means that when diners search for a restaurant online, they may believe they are contacting the official business when, in fact, they are communicating with a scammer.
In some cases, the person answering the call may ask the customer to pay a deposit or make an advance payment to secure a booking. While restaurants asking customers to pay a deposit before a booking is not unusual, the danger is that the money could be sent directly to a scammer rather than the establishment.
Sadly, several people have reportedly fallen victim to similar scams, particularly within the hospitality industry.
How to avoid falling victim to an online booking scam
Verify the phone number
Don’t rely solely on the number displayed on Google. Visit the restaurant or hotel's official website and check whether the contact number matches.
Check the restaurant’s social media pages
Compare the contact details on Google with those listed on the establishment's official social media pages. If they don’t match, contact the restaurant through a verified channel before making any payment.
If you’re nearby, book in person
If a restaurant is close to you and you’re being asked to make an advance payment, consider visiting the establishment in person to make the booking and confirm the payment details.
Be careful with payment requests
Be particularly cautious if you’re asked to send money via an e-wallet or another payment method where it may be difficult to verify the recipient. Always confirm the account or payment details directly with the restaurant before transferring any money.
Trust your gut
If something about the booking process doesn’t feel right, don’t rush into making a payment. Take the time to verify who you’re dealing with.
When booking a restaurant online, a few extra minutes spent checking the contact details could save you from losing your hard-earned money.
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