bora bora travel scam: unveiling the truth 2024

Beware of Bora Bora Travel Scams

As one of the most idyllic tropical destinations, it’s no surprise that scammers like to exploit people’s dreams of visiting Bora Bora. Unfortunately, several deceptive travel scams involving this French Polynesian island paradise have emerged in recent years. In this article, I’ll detail the most common Bora Bora travel scams and provide tips to avoid becoming a victim.

Facebook Giveaway Scams

One of the most prevalent scams involves fake Facebook posts promising a “dream vacation” to Bora Bora. Scammers steal photos from legitimate resort sites and claim users can enter a contest by simply sharing or commenting on the post. Of course, no prize actually exists – the goal is just to spread the post virally and collect personal data.

Telltale signs of this scam include vague contest rules, generic profile photos for “administrators,” and spelling/grammar errors. Reputable contests require official pages and opt-in registration, not forced engagement. Avoid and report any posts requesting personal info in exchange for “free” Bora Bora trips.

Bogus Travel Agency Websites

Another tactic is creating fraudulent travel agency websites advertising deeply discounted Bora Bora packages that don’t exist. After collecting deposits or full payments, the phony sites disappear along with customers’ money. Domain registration details and company addresses are usually fabricated as well.

Research any new agencies thoroughly online and check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints before booking. Established operators don’t slash prices by thousands below market rates. Credit cards offer better purchase protection than wire transfers with unknown entities too.

Phishing Emails & Texts

Scammers may also pretend to be from major airlines, hotels or online travel agencies in phishing communications claiming issues with past bookings or refunds due. Links and attachments inevitably contain malware instead of legitimate information.

Reputable companies never request sensitive details or money via unsolicited emails or texts out of the blue. Verify directly with the supposed sender by phone before providing any account credentials or financial information in response to such messages.

Signs of a Bora Bora Travel Scam

• Vague contest rules without official page association
• Copy-paste resort photos without attribution
• Typos, poor grammar on websites or social media
• Extremely low package prices (50%+ below market rates)
• No physical address or licensing/registration details
• Requests for payments via wire transfer versus credit cards
• Unsolicited emails/texts about past bookings needing updates

Staying informed on current scams and thoroughly vetting unfamiliar operators can help avoid becoming victimized when dreaming of paradise in Bora Bora. Approaching all travel giveaways and deals with initial skepticism is a wise preventative strategy.

Reputable Bora Bora Travel Resources

For legitimate information on visiting Bora Bora, consider these recommended sources:

• French Polynesia Tourism Board (www.frenchpolynesia.travel) – Official tourism organization.

• Resort Websites (Intercontinental Bora Bora, St. Regis Bora Bora) – Directly book packages.

• TripAdvisor (www.tripadvisor.com) – Unbiased reviews from past visitors.

• Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com) – Professional travel guides and forums.

• Facebook Travelers Groups (Bora Bora Travel Tips) – Join local community discussions.

With awareness and due diligence using trusted resources, travelers can realize their dream of visiting stunning Bora Bora without falling prey to the unscrupulous tactics deployed by scammers exploiting this idyllic yet coveted South Pacific destination. Stay safe in your travels!