PROJECT: PUBLIC WARNING – VETTING A TRAVEL AGENCY BEFORE YOU BOOK

isabels39
Apr 25
5 min read

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South Africans are increasingly falling victim to fraudulent travel agencies and so-called “luxury package” deals

that never materialise. These scams can result in devastating financial losses and emotional distress,

especially when they affect family holidays, honeymoons, or once-in-a-lifetime trips.

While precise national figures are unavailable, recent cases highlight the significant financial losses South Africans have incurred owing to fraudulent travel agencies and non-existent luxury package deals.

In one notable case, two women were arrested for defrauding approximately 80 pensioners of nearly R1.9 million through a fictitious Thailand holiday package.
Another investigation revealed that clients lost up to R230,000.00 each to a travel agency that failed to deliver on promised trips to destinations such as the Maldives and Seychelles.
Additionally, a travel agency was defrauded of over R3 million when independent agents used it as an intermediary to book flights for their clients, resulting in substantial losses.

SSS continues to investigate cases of deceit within the travel industry.

The reality is simple: anyone can claim to be a “travel agent” —

but not everyone is legally qualified to do so or operating ethically.

SSS has exposed several such individuals and travel agencies:

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK AND CHECKS TO DO BEFORE PAYING FOR ANY TRAVELLING:

SHOULD TRAVEL AGENTS HAVE QUALIFICATIONS OR PERMITS?

YES, THEY SHOULD.

A LEGITIMATE TRAVEL AGENCY SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

Registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).
A valid Tax Clearance Certificate (SARS).
Membership with industry bodies like ASATA (Association of South African Travel Agents).
Professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
A business bank account, not a personal one.
Verifiable booking systems and supplier relationships.

10 QUESTIONS YOU MUST ASK A TRAVEL AGENCY BEFORE PAYING:

1. Are you registered with ASATA or any other travel industry authority?

2. May I see your CIPC registration number and business address?

3. Do you have a tax clearance certificate and public liability insurance?

4. Can you provide references from recent clients?

5. Can I verify my booking directly with the airline or accommodation provider?

6. What is your cancellation and refund policy, and is it in writing?

7. Which bank account will I be paying into – is it in the company’s name?

8. Will I receive an official invoice and proof of booking within 24 hours?

9. Do you use third-party suppliers, and are they verified?

10. Are you willing to video call or meet in person to discuss the trip?

10 PERSONAL CHECKS YOU SHOULD DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF:

1. Search the company name on Google, HelloPeter, and social media for any complaints or bad reviews.

2. Look up the business on the CIPC website to confirm legal registration.

3. Verify ASATA membership on their official site: [www.asata.co.za](https://www.asata.co.za).

4. Check the address on Google Maps – is it a legitimate office or a post office box?

5. Call the airline or hotel directly to confirm if a booking exists.

6. Look up the company’s domain registration on sites like whois.domaintools.com.

7. Use LinkedIn and Facebook to research the owner’s professional history.

8. Review their refund policy and carefully read all documentation, including the fine print.

9. Never pay the full amount upfront – legitimate agencies offer structured payments.

10. Insist on communication via email or WhatsApp, where all agreements are clearly documented and traceable.

To further mitigate the risk of falling victim to such scams, consider the following precautions:

VERIFY AGENCY CREDENTIALS:
- Ensure the travel agency is a member of the Association of Southern African Travel Agents (ASATA), which represents over 99% of the industry and enforces a strict code of conduct. 
RESEARCH AND REVIEWS:
- Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge the agency's reliability.
BE CAUTIOUS FOR UNBELIEVABLE DEALS:
- If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is.
- Exercise scepticism towards deals that promise luxury experiences at unusually low prices.
SECURE PAYMENT METHODS:
- Use payment methods that offer fraud protection, and avoid direct bank transfers to unverified accounts.

If an agency pressures you with words like "limited offer,” “pay now or lose your spot,” or “trust us, we’ve been doing this for years,” be cautious. Fraudsters rely on urgency and emotional manipulation to get you to act without thinking.

If you or someone you know suspects a scam or has been a victim of travel fraud,

please contact Mr. Mike Bolhuis immediately.

Quick reporting allows the highly qualified and experienced SSS Cybercrime Team

to track patterns and assist victims effectively.

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.

How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

- https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VarjftF8PgsI4pODE929

3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za

Fax: 086 585 4924

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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.

STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.

POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv