Imagine this: after many hours of travel, you arrive for your dream vacation. You're tired, but happy. Suddenly, right before picking up the keys, the telephone rings. It is the owner of the facility, who informs that due to a “system error” or “sudden increase in costs” you must pay respective 100 PLN. Otherwise your booking will be cancelled. Sounds like a nightmare? Unfortunately, this is an increasingly frequent script which is warned by consumer rights experts. Fraud “for surcharge for reservation” is simply a fresh plague that targets tourists at the least expected moment, utilizing their fatigue and force of time. In 2025, awareness of this threat is crucial not to be deceived and not lose money or nerves.
This is based on a simple but brutally effective mechanics of emotional blackmail. Cheaters know that on the day of arrival, frequently with household and luggage, tourists are in the worst possible position to negotiate. uncovering an alternate accommodation at the top of the period is bordered by a miracle, and the possible of spending the night in the car is paralyzing. In this article, we explain how this mechanism, what rights you have and what steps to take to get out of this situation with your defense.
How does the fraud mechanics “for payment” work? script step by step
The pattern of unfair owners is usually very akin and precisely planned to maximize the force on the tourist. Everything starts innocently – by uncovering an attractive offer on a popular booking portal and making reservations, frequently months in advance.
The key minute follows on arrival. That's erstwhile you get a telephone or SMS. The owner, frequently polite, but firm, presents the problem. The most common excuses are:
- “There was a mistake in the booking strategy and the price was understated.”
- "In view of inflation and drastic increases in electricity/gas prices, we request to update the price."
- “The erstwhile guests have done harm and we request to charge extra cleaning costs.”
Then falls ultimatum: "or you will pay the X PLN, or I will be forced to cancel the reservation". It's classical blackmail. The cheater hopes that the fatigue, the presence of children and the deficiency of viable alternatives will force you to submit. It's utilizing your hard situation, not a fair business proposition. Remember that the only intent is to extort additional money, and the reasons given are almost always false.
Your rights are on your side. What does the law say in 2025?
The minute you hear a payment request, the most crucial thing is that you know your rights. According to Polish law, the situation is unambiguous and works in your favour. The key is the concept ‘effective contract’. erstwhile you received confirmation of the reservation (by e-mail, in the portal system), a short-term lease agreement was concluded under the conditions specified therein.
According to the civilian Code, the contract is binding on both parties – for you and the owner of the facility. This means that the renter cannot unilaterally change its terms, including primarily prices. The arguments about inflation, rising costs or an mistake in the strategy have no legal force. It's a business hazard that an entrepreneur bears, not a problem that a client can bear after the contract has been concluded.
One-sided price change is illegal and is an unfair marketplace practice. The booking confirmation you have (it is worth having it saved on your telephone as a screenshot) is your most crucial proof. It is simply a paper that clearly defines the price, the time limit and the standard of service, and the owner is obliged to comply with it.
What to do erstwhile the owner asks for a payment? Defence Manual
When you are in specified a situation, it is crucial to keep your blood cold and take concrete, thoughtful action. Don't panic and don't be provoked. Follow the following instructions:
- Stay calm and categorically refuse. This is the most crucial step. Be clear and firm: “I will not pay any extra money. We have an agreement of X and I anticipate it to be implemented." Relent only impresses the frauds.
- Document everything. If the call is made by telephone, delight inform them that you are recording it for evidence. Save all SMS messages. Ask to make a request in writing (by email), although the fraud will most likely refuse. Take screenshots of the offer and confirm your booking.
- Call for your rights. Inform the owner that you are aware that one-sided price change is illegal (Civil Code) and constitutes an effort to extort (Article 286 of the Criminal Code). The usage of legal terminology frequently reduces the zeal of a fraudster.
- Notify me of the consequences. delight declare that if the booking is cancelled or you do not receive the keys, you will immediately study the case to the police as a fraud attempt, contact the booking portal, study the case to the UOKiK and issue a detailed negative opinion, describing the situation.
In most cases, this attitude is adequate for the owner to retreat from his demands. Seeing that he is dealing with an informed consumer, not a frightened victim, he will quit his effort at extortion.
Where to study fraud? These institutions will aid you
If the owner cancels the reservation after all or refuses to issue keys, you are not helpless. Immediately after the event, you should study the substance to the applicable institutions, which can aid you and draw consequences against the unfair tenant.
- Booking portal (Booking.com, Airbnb, etc.): This is your first and most crucial contact. study the situation to client service. These portals take specified complaints very seriously. They frequently aid to find a replacement accommodation (sometimes at their expense) and can block or remove the offer of the unfair owner.
- Police: The submission of a suspected crime notification (the attempted fraud of Article 286 k.k.) is absolutely on the spot. Your evidence (records, texts) will be crucial here.
- Office for Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK): It is liable for combating unfair marketplace practices. The filing of a case to the UOKiK may consequence in a advanced financial punishment on the entrepreneur.
- Urban or Regional Consumer Rights Ombudsman: It can supply free legal advice and aid to formulate authoritative writings.
In conclusion, awareness, assertiveness and thorough documentation are the key to protecting against fraud “for payment”. Never accept a surcharge after you make a deal. Your rights are stronger than the force a fraud is trying to put on you. Be a conscious tourist and do not let greed destruct your dream vacation.
Continued here:
The owner requests a surcharge on the day of arrival? Experts inform against fresh fraud
