Risk of data and account loss
According to DPA, if users book on a fake Booking.com page, they will be asked to verify the payment to reserve the booking. They were also informed that if the booking was not confirmed within a few hours, it would be canceled. When customers enter their credit card data, cybercriminals will steal that data.
What is especially dangerous is that, according to the consumer protection website Watchlist Internet, communication is often not done via email or text messages but through the chat feature on Booking.com - the official communication channel between the accommodation and customers.
According to experts, this happens when cybercriminals may have access to the hotel or motel owner's login information and can therefore log into their Booking.com account, view bookings there and then contact customers via chat. That leads to victims falling into traps without suspecting anything is wrong.
Many people believe that customers never enter credit card information on websites linked in messages, even if these links are sent via Booking.com chat. If you have any questions, contact the hotel or accommodation by phone.
Recommendations from Booking.com
In the face of this scam, Booking.com - a booking platform advises: "If customers have questions about payment notices, we recommend that you carefully review the payment terms listed on the accommodation listing on Booking.com and in the booking confirmation".
Customers are encouraged to report any messages or suspicious concerns about the accommodation to Booking.com's customer service department.
The platform also emphasizes that, in general, no legal transaction requires customers to provide sensitive information such as credit card information via email, conversation, SMS messages, WhatsApp or phone, or make other payments than the initial booking terms.
In addition to scams related to fake booking confirmation, Watchlist Internet also warns about fake listings on Booking.com, which often contain surprisingly cheap deals.
A clear warning sign is that bookings cannot be completed on this platform. Instead, you are required to contact the owner of the property or the rental company via Facebook or email.
After that, you will be asked to transfer money to complete the booking. Of course, if you do this, customers will lose money, not to mention other risks of data loss.
Booking.com said it is taking "comprehensive, strict measures" to protect customers and partners from fraud, including the use of continuously improved fraud detection systems.
The website said that in 2023, 1.5 million fake bookings based on fraud were discovered and blocked; while in 2024, this number decreased to 250,000.
