What is the "Fake Easter Island Accommodation Booking Sites" scam in Easter Island?

Question

Accepted Answer

Fraudulent websites mimic legitimate Rapa Nui guesthouses and hostels, collecting full payment upfront for rooms that do not exist. Given the island's extremely limited accommodation stock — under 100 registered properties in Hanga Roa — fake listings exploit the perception of scarcity to pressure immediate payment. Victims arrive after 5+ hours of flight from mainland Chile to find no booking exists. Book only through properties listed on official SERNATUR Chile directories or well-established platforms with verifiable reviews. Call the property directly using the phone number on the Chilean tourism registry, not the number on the booking site. Never pay 100% upfront to an unknown operator.

Online Scams in Easter Island

Fake Easter Island Accommodation Booking Sites

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