Beware of Accommodation Scams in Yogyakarta – How to Stay Safe

Yogyakarta Special Region Tourism Office (Dispar DIY) urges prospective tourists to be more cautious when booking accommodation. Head of Dispar DIY, Imam Pratanadi, stressed the importance of booking through official websites or trusted platforms to prevent a surge in tourist scams. Imam noted that the ease of information access on social media and increased tourist interest during holiday seasons are often exploited by unscrupulous individuals. He emphasised that tourists should not rely solely on word-of-mouth information without verification, as many cases occur when visitors are lured by cheap offers without checking the source. He cited examples where scammers exploit popular locations such as Mount Merapi climbing areas, including Kalitalang, to advertise fake accommodations. He added that when a destination suddenly trends on social media, demand for accommodation spikes, a situation frequently exploited by fraudsters to deceive visitors, particularly domestic tourists. Dispar DIY urged tourists to be more discerning in selecting information sources, stressing the need to use proven trustworthy platforms with good reputations for booking accommodation. Beyond tourists, the tourism industry is also urged to remain vigilant. The local government, Imam said, aims to identify and take action against anyone proven to exploit the situation for fraudulent purposes. “If you encounter such scams, we hope you report them to us. We need your cooperation. If any are identified, please inform us,” he said. Imam explained that common scam tactics involve contacting prospective tourists directly, often after learning of family or group visits. Additionally, fake advertisements spread on social media are a favoured method among scammers. The Yogyakarta Regional Government assured strict action if any indications of tourism accommodation scams are found. Offenders caught in the act will face immediate legal enforcement. To date, Dispar DIY has not received any official reports of such scams. However, Imam stressed that public reports are crucial for facilitating investigations. “If there is information, we can trace phone numbers. But public complaints would be more helpful,” he added.