City warns tourists about accommodation scams ahead of the Nedbank Cup Final

Football fans will be heading off to Durban this week for the 2025 Nedbank Cup final. However, the eThekwini Municipality has urged visitors and tourists to remain vigilant when booking accommodation, to prevent falling victim to online scams.

A thrilling showdown between South African football giants, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, is set to take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, in Durban tomorrow, Saturday May 10.

This marks the tournament’s return to Durban since it was last hosted in the city in 2019.  The match promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle that will captivate fans across the country.

Mayor Cyril Xaba, welcomed the return of the event, highlighting the economic and tourism benefits it brings.

“We encourage visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural offerings, stunning beaches, and diverse attractions that make our city a premier destination for both local and international travellers,” Mayor Xaba said. “I want to warn visitors, and tourists to remain vigilant when booking accommodation, to prevent falling victim to online scammers.

“Visitors are also encouraged to carefully verify any packages that advertise “free tickets” and to obtain their tickets exclusively through registered outlets.”

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, visitors are advised to follow these essential travel and accommodation safety tips:

•   Research your accommodation: Before booking, look for customer reviews and ratings across multiple platforms. Be cautious if reviews appear overly positive or generic, as they may be fabricated.
•   Contact the property directly: Use verified contact information to reach out to the property. If you cannot find this information on trusted sites, proceed with caution.
•   Check for professionalism: Legitimate businesses typically maintain professional websites featuring clear contact information, terms and conditions, and policies regarding cancellations and refunds.
•   Compare prices: If a deal seems too good to be true, ensure you compare prices with established booking sites to get a sense of reasonable rates.
•   Verify the URL: Ensure the website has a secure connection (look for “https://” rather than just “http://”) and check for any spelling errors in the domain name.

Use trusted platforms: Stick to well-known travel booking websites or apps, which usually offer customer service support to address issues.

•   Avoid wire transfers: Always opt for secure payment methods that offer protection, such as credit cards, over wire transfers or cash.
•   Read the fine print: Thoroughly review booking terms and conditions, especially regarding cancellation policies and any additional fees.
•   Stay informed: Keep up with updates from local tourism authorities concerning safe travel practices and potential scams.
•   Share your itinerary: Inform someone of your travel plans, including accommodation details, for added safety.
•   Keep an eye on your belongings: Always keep your bags where you can see them and avoid displaying valuables like jewellery or electronics publicly.
•   Report any suspicious illegal activities to the nearest police station.

To further enhance the excitement around the Nedbank Cup final, the municipality will host public viewing areas in various parts of Durban to afford everyone an opportunity to watch the game. Details for the public viewing areas will be announced on the municipal platforms.