Booking a holiday online should feel exciting, not stressful.
Unfortunately, travel scams in South Africa are on the rise, especially during peak seasons like school holidays, long weekends, and December breaks. At MyResorts, we believe peace of mind is just as important as a great getaway.
Here's a practical guide to common travel scams to avoid, plus smart tips and tricks to help you boook safely and confidently.
1. Fake Resort Websites & Clone Listings
Fraudsters copy real resort names, photos, and descriptions, then create fake websites or social media pages offering “too-good-to-be-true” deals.
Red flags:
- Prices far lower than normal SA market rates
- No physical address or landline number
- Poor spelling or odd URLs (e.g. extra letters or hyphens)
MyResorts tip: Always book through verified platforms or trusted resort websites. If a deal looks unreal… it usually is.
2. Social Media & WhatsApp Booking Scams
You see a Facebook or Instagram ad for a luxury lodge, message the page, and are asked to pay via EFT or instant payment.
Red flags:
- Pressure to “book now before the deal expires today.”
- Requests for payment to a personal bank account
- No official invoice or confirmation
MyResorts tip: Legit resorts and travel partners use secure payment systems and official communication channels, not personal WhatsApp numbers only.
3. Phishing Emails Posing as Travel Brands
Emails claiming to be from popular travel brands or resorts asking you to “confirm your booking” or “update payment details.”
Red flags:
- Generic greetings like “Dear Customer”
- Urgent language and suspicious links
- Sender email addresses that don’t match the brand domain
MyResorts tip: Never click links in unexpected emails. Rather visit the website directly or contact the resort.
4. Last-Minute Holiday Deals That Disappear
You pay a deposit for a last-minute holiday in Durban, the Kruger area, or the Garden Route, then the contact vanishes.
Red flags:
- No booking reference
- No written confirmation
- Seller avoids phone calls
MyResorts tip: Always ask for written confirmation, terms & conditions, and proof of reservation.
5. Fake Reviews & Inflated Ratings
Listings packed with glowing reviews that aren’t real, often copied, vague, or posted within a short time frame.
Red flags:
- Reviews that sound identical
- No South African context or location mentions
- No reviews on Google Maps
MyResorts tip: Cross-check reviews on Google, not just one platform.
Tips & Tricks for Booking Holidays Safely in South Africa
- Book through trusted brands like MyResort
- Double-check URLs and social media handles
- Never rush a payment; scammers thrive on urgency
- Use secure payment methods
- Trust your gut. If it feels off, walk away.
Why Book Through MyResorts?
When you book with MyResorts, you’re booking:
- Verified South African resorts
- Transparent pricing
- Secure booking systems
- Real people, real destinations, real support
No funny business. Just holidays made easy.
www.myresorts.co.za | 012 492 4809 | hello@myresorts.co.za