Holidaymakers warned over Booking.com holiday scam that could lose you THOUSANDS
With the school holidays just around the corner, many Brits will have booked a summer getaway.
But experts have warned that scammers using the platform are targeting holidaymakers by sending false messages and emails from hotel accounts.
As the messages look legitimate and appear to have come through Booking.com, many tourists are then tricked in to sending payments to the scammers.
Action Fraud says it received 532 reports of the scam between June 2023 and September 2024 from individuals who had lost a total of £370,000.
The fraud centre thinks that scammers are taking over hotel accounts and then sending messages to unsuspecting consumers via WhatsApp, email and through the Booking.com app.
The messages falsely inform the holidaymaker that their card has been declined or that their payment details need to be verified.
The scammers then ask holidaymakers to enter their banking details via a false link which is used to steal money.
When customers access the webpage, they are encouraged to 'accept' cookies to view the page. Once they do so, malicious files are downloaded to their computer
Another scam uses bogus Booking.com websites. Victims are sent a fake Booking.com link over email.
When customers access the webpage, they are encouraged to 'accept' cookies to view the page. Once they do so, malicious files are downloaded to their computer.
Adam Mercer, deputy head of Action Fraud, says: 'With more than 500 reports made to Action Fraud, those who have booked a holiday on the Booking.com platform should stay alert to any unexpected emails or messages from a hotel using the Booking.com platform, as their account could have been taken over by a criminal.
'If you receive an unexpected request from a hotel's account you booked with using Booking.com, asking for bank details or credit card details, it could be a fraudster trying to trick you into parting ways with your money.'
Action Fraud recommends contacting Booking.com or your hotel directly if you have concerns about a message you've received.
Booking.com told MailOnline: 'Unfortunately, there is an increasing number of online scams targeting many businesses operating in the e-commerce space.
'With the rise of AI, cybercriminals are able to create increasingly sophisticated scams. Thankfully, with our continual investment in cybersecurity technology, actual incidents on our platform are rare.'
Booking.com tips to avoid scams
Protect personal information: Never share sensitive details such as credit card numbers via email, text, chat, or phone.
Stay vigilant: If a payment request seems suspicious, always double-check the property's payment policies listed on the booking page or in your confirmation email. If there is no pre-payment policy or deposit requirement outlined, but you're asked to pay in advance to secure your booking, it is likely a scam. When in doubt, contact our 24/7 Customer Service team for support.
Avoid suspicious links: Scam messages often include urgent language and may contain spelling or grammar errors. Familiarising yourself with common cybercriminal tactics can help you spot potential threats.
Verify directly: When unsure about the legitimacy of a message, contact the property provider or our customer support directly.
Enable two-factor authentication: As an additional security measure to protect your account.
For additional tips and resources on staying safe online, visit the Booking.com Safety Resource Centre.
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