What “verified” means
Fake resort pages take deposits every holiday season. Before a business shows Verified by JoyBook, we check the things below, and each place page lists what was checked and when.
Verified by JoyBook: the owner is real
A business is verified when the person running it has proved it, in one of these ways:
- A place we listed, claimed by its owner: a code sent to the place’s own email, or to an email on its website, was confirmed; a code placed on its website was found; or JoyBook reviewed proof that they run it.
- A business that signed up directly: JoyBook reviewed documents, such as a DTI or SEC registration or a business permit, and the owner’s ID.
Payment account checked
For a verified business, JoyBook confirmed that the name on the GCash or bank account you are asked to pay matches the business or its verified owner. You see this under the account when you pay.
If the business changes that account’s number or name, the check ends until JoyBook checks again.
DOT accredited
Shown when the place is on the Department of Tourism’s accreditation list, with its number and expiry date. It disappears once the accreditation expires.
What it doesn’t mean
- JoyBook doesn’t hold your money. You pay the business directly.
- JoyBook doesn’t guarantee the stay or service, and doesn’t refund payments.
- A business without a badge isn’t necessarily unsafe: it just hasn’t been checked yet.
Pay only to the account shown in your booking, keep your proof of payment in the app, and be wary of anyone asking you to pay a different account.