A Facebook (FB) page has been duping people by posing as a resort in La Union while using photos and videos of another holiday retreat in Batangas.
The bogus resort page posing as “Cabanas La Union” uploaded photos of its supposed lodging facilities on Feb. 12 with the caption:
“Stay calm, relax and enjoy the ambiance of Cabanas La Union with a tranquil scene of the ocean. Located at Urbiztondo, National Highway, San Juan, La Union (Near El Union Coffee or Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel)”
It later edited the date of the post and made it Jan. 10 on its timeline.
In 2024, the page posted videos of the resort to promote its amenities ahead of the Christmas holidays. It also used photos of supposed guests availing of its services to appear as a legitimate business establishment.
These are all fake. Its name does not appear on Google Maps nor in the Business Name Registration portal of the Department of Trade and Industry.
Moreover, the photos and videos it has been using to promote its scam business are from the Seabliss Beach Resort in Lian, Batangas.
A reverse image search of the facility photos would show that they were originally from an Instagram post of a window installation business named Vista UPVC Windows & Glass. The original post was meant to show off Vista’s project in Lian, Batangas and not in La Union.
Meanwhile, the clips that the bogus FB page used to showcase its services were taken from videos posted on Seabliss Beach Resort’s social media pages. The page also grabbed and posted photos from Seabliss’ guests to fake its credibility.
Multiple posts and comments on Facebook have been appearing since January, with guests claiming they have been scammed by the fake resort and warning people against availing of its services.
This is not, however, the first time a scam like this happened. On Feb. 24, actress Pokwang filed a complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation after her Antipolo home was used as a location for a fake staycation address.
Likewise, in March 2024, the Philippine National Police cautioned the public to be vigilant of “vacation scams” ahead of the summer season.
As of Feb. 25, FB page Cabanas La Union had amassed around 8,000 likes and 7,900 followers. Created on Feb. 22, 2024, it has changed its name twice with its previous handles being Casa Nuñez Villas and Solana Beach Villas.
