Hotel booking scams in Vietnam: spotting fake pages

Fake hotel pages are a scam that authorities in many Vietnamese provinces have warned about, especially ahead of public holidays. Travellers lose their deposit, sometimes the full room price, and only discover at the front desk that the hotel has no booking in their name. This guide explains how the scam works, the warning signs and the habits that keep your booking safe.

How the scam works

According to a warning published on the Ha Tinh provincial government portal in April 2025, the usual pattern is:

1. A fake Facebook page copies the name, photos and content of a real hotel; some even show a verification badge and many followers.
2. The scammers run ads with deep discounts and special offers to attract bookings.
3. When you message them, they pose as staff and ask for a deposit or full prepayment into a personal bank account.
4. Once paid, they invent reasons to request more money, then go silent and provide nothing.

Genuine hotels are victims too, because their names are used and their reputation suffers.

Warning signs of a fake page or account

Five habits for safe deposits

• Find the hotel's number yourself from its official website or a directory, not from whoever is messaging you. Our hotel finder lists phone numbers by city and ward.
• Call to confirm the account holder, account number and amount before paying.
• Pay only into an account in the name of the hotel or its operating company.
• Get written confirmation by message or email with your name, dates, room type and the deposit paid.
• Use a channel with a complaints process if you cannot reach the hotel directly.

Other variations to watch for

Besides fake Facebook pages, scammers set up websites with addresses that look almost identical to the real hotel's, post in travel groups using photos taken from elsewhere, or send strange payment links by text message. Some pretend to be travel agents offering package deals that include a room at a well-known resort. The same rules apply in every case: find the official channel yourself, call to confirm, never tap unfamiliar payment links and never pay a personal account you cannot verify. If something feels rushed or too good to be true, step back and check before you pay a single dong.

If you have already paid

1. Stop sending money, even if you are promised a refund.
2. Call your bank straight away to report a suspected fraudulent transfer.
3. Save every piece of evidence: screenshots of the page, messages, account numbers and receipts.
4. Report it to the nearest police station.
5. Tell the real hotel it is being impersonated so it can warn other guests.

Advice for hotel and homestay owners

The Ha Tinh warning also advises lodging businesses to publish their full name, address, phone, email and website; to post their deposit policy and official bank accounts on every channel; to check regularly for look-alike pages; and to report impersonation to the police. If you run a property and want to be listed so guests call the right number, message Zalo +84 937 937 555; listing is free.

Set off with peace of mind

Once your room is safely booked, the rest is packing. A suitcase that suits your trip makes travel easier: see what size suitcase to buy and suitcases on sale. Do not forget packing organisers to keep everything tidy.