Small tourism operators are facing a rise in fraudulent websites that impersonate legitimate campgrounds, lodges, and guide services, according to reports shared with the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA).
The scams typically involve fake booking sites that collect payments through wire transfers, leaving victims without legal or insurance recourse.
BCLCA said it has received multiple reports from members whose websites have been cloned or fabricated entirely.
In one case, several small guide operators were targeted, and unsuspecting customers believed they were booking with genuine businesses. “Victims believed they were booking with a legitimate business, only to be scammed,” the announcement indicates.
Scammers often replicate a business’s branding, images, and descriptions to make the fake websites appear authentic. They may also use domain names that closely resemble the legitimate website’s address, sometimes altering only a single character or using a different domain extension.
BCLCA is urging operators to take proactive measures to protect their online presence. The association recommends registering multiple domain variations, including different extensions such as .com and .ca, to prevent bad actors from acquiring similar web addresses.
It also advises businesses to secure their sites using HTTPS and reputable hosting services. This not only strengthens website security but also signals authenticity to visitors.
Setting up Google Alerts for a business name can also help operators detect when their brand is being mentioned online, potentially revealing fraudulent activity early. BCLCA says educating guests about a business’s official website and payment process is another critical step.
“If you’ve been affected, report it to your domain registrar, webmaster, and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre,” the association said in its guidance. “Contact BCLCA to share your experience to help others.”
According to its website, BCLCA is a not-for-profit trade association and consumer marketing organization established in 1944.
Membership-driven, it represents the interests of British Columbia’s independently owned and operated small and mid-size lodging properties, campgrounds, and RV parks.
The association serves as a collective voice for its members, advocating on their behalf and promoting the province’s tourism accommodation sector.