Question 1

What is the "Fake Hotel Booking Website Fraud" scam in Maputo?

Accepted Answer

Fraudulent websites mimicking legitimate Maputo guesthouses and boutique hotels collect advance payments from travelers booking online. These sites use copied photos from real properties on Avenida Julius Nyerere or the Sommerschield district. Victims arrive to find no booking exists, or the real hotel has no record of the transaction. Book directly through the hotel's verified official website or through major platforms like Booking.com with credit card payment. Always call the property using a phone number sourced independently from their official website to confirm your reservation.

Question 2

What is the "WhatsApp Property Rental Fraud" scam in Maputo?

Accepted Answer

Scammers advertise short-term apartment rentals in Maputo's Polana and Sommerschield neighborhoods on Facebook Marketplace and WhatsApp groups, usually at rates well below market. They request a deposit or full payment before allowing a viewing, then claim to be overseas or unavailable for in-person meetings. After payment the contact disappears. Never pay for a rental without a physical viewing and meeting with the actual property owner or a licensed agent. Verify ownership through the Ministério da Construção e Habitação. Legitimate landlords do not request payment before you view the property.

Online Scams in Maputo

Fake Hotel Booking Website Fraud

WhatsApp Property Rental Fraud

Experienced a scam here?