Cases of ‘guest house cloning’ in the Lowveld

We received reports of two guest houses which were ‘cloned’ or simply ‘stolen’ on Google.  The perpetrators would change the contact details on your profile or make a duplicate profile with their details on it. They will then take bookings and payments for your guesthouse and walk away with the money.  The guests arrive at your place and you have no booking and sometimes no room for them!

The second way they are doing it, is with a fake profile on social media,      Facebook / TikTok / WhatsApp.  They take bookings via a link there.

What to do?

Accommodation establishments should check their Google accounts regularly by Googling it.  Check that the contact details is correct and that you only have one Google profile.

Take ‘ownership’ of your contact details—ask your IT to assist you, and       ensure details cannot be changed without a notification being sent to your phone and email.

NEVER make bookings via a social media link, sorry but it has come to that.  Only book via reputable booking sites for which you type in the address or go to a website of an establishment and book with a link from there. 

Do not use any links from Social Media, no matter how legitimate it appears.  This also apply to online shopping.  Do not follow links, there are many fake profiles out there.  Type in the correct web address before you order.

Report to SAPS and us if your profile was cloned / misused

Following the article on the right-hand side, please let me have any information and          evidence if this happened to you. I am busy with an investigation together with SAPS.