Action Fraud warns of a rise in scams targeting holidaymakers who use Booking.com. Between June 2023 and September 2024, over 500 people reported losing a staggering £370,000 to these fraudulent schemes.
Here's how the scam works:
Hackers target hotels and accommodation providers, taking over their Booking.com accounts through phishing attacks. Once in control, these criminals send messages and emails to unsuspecting customers through the platform, often appearing as legitimate communication from the hotel itself.
These messages typically request urgent payments or credit card details, often citing made-up reasons like booking confirmation issues.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Be wary of unexpected requests: No legitimate Booking.com transaction will ever require credit card details via email, phone or text (including WhatsApp).
- Verify communication: If a hotel you booked with on Booking.com reaches out for payment information, always double-check the sender's details before responding. Contact the hotel directly through Booking.com's messaging system to confirm.
- Don't be pressured: Urgent payment requests, especially about booking cancellations, are a red flag. Contact Booking.com customer service through their official website or app to verify any suspicious communication.
- Double-check details: Any discrepancies between the message and your original booking confirmation should raise suspicion. Verify with Booking.com before proceeding.
- Links and attachments? Proceed with caution: Treat messages with links or requests to download files with suspicion. If unsure, contact Booking.com directly, not using any details provided in the suspicious message.
What to do if you suspect a scam:
- Report it! Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and text messages to 7726.
- Stay informed: Visit Booking.com's "Safety Tips for Travellers" for more information:
https://www.booking.com/trust_and_safety/travellers.html - Report fraud: If you've lost money or provided financial information, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud:
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
Remember: By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of these holiday booking scams. Enjoy your travels!
Source: Action Fraud (10-01-2025) for further details and advice.
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| Action Fraud Scam warning |
