Scams Implying Association with the World Tourism Organization

The World Tourism Organization of the United Nations (UN Tourism) has become aware of various fraudulent schemes purporting to be from or associated with the Organization.

UN Tourism wishes to warn the public of these misleading communications that do not originate from the Organization, and are not in any way associated with its activities.

The schemes may consist of letters, sent either via e-mail, fax, regular mail, or from websites, that are made to look like they originate from UN Tourism. For example, they may contain official-looking UN Tourism stationery, including its emblem and name, and email or website addresses which include the words “World Tourism Organization” or “UN Tourism” or some similar name, or the name of a real or fictitious UN Tourism official. These are fraudulent and UN Tourism assumes no responsibility for any consequences, including, but not limited to, financial loss or identity theft or other loss or damage that may derive from such scams.

New schemes, with no connection whatsoever with UN Tourism, are appearing with increasing frequency, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 crisis. A sampling of such scams include “COVID-free” certificates falsely stating that they have been jointly developed with or endorsed by UN Tourism.

Please also be aware that UN Tourism activities are promoted through its website, and UN Tourism’s initiatives within the framework of COVID-19 can be found in this link.

Such use of the UN Tourism name and emblem or other names or indicia in these schemes is unauthorized and illegal. The relevant authorities will be informed of any such activities of which UN Tourism becomes aware, for appropriate action to be taken by those authorities.

If you become aware of suspicious communication or scheme, kindly bring this to our attention using the following email address: fraudalert@unwto.org