Accommodation Scams in Cape Town

Fake Guesthouse and Holiday Rental Listing

Fraudulent accommodation listings targeting Cape Town visitors advertise non-existent or misrepresented properties on classifieds sites and sometimes cloned versions of legitimate booking platforms. Victims pay a deposit or full amount upfront via EFT or wire transfer, then arrive to find the address does not exist, the property is occupied by unaware owners, or the accommodation is far below the photos shown. Cape Town's high demand during peak summer season (December–January) makes this scam particularly prevalent as tourists scramble for last-minute bookings.