Whether via PayPal, WhatsApp or text message: fraud attempts are popping up in almost every form on the internet these days. This now also applies to the booking platform Booking.com. We show you how you can protect yourself from Booking scams.
Whether in a text message from a supposed child who allegedly has a new number or via a link to an alleged shipment tracking system – online scams are taking on new forms faster and faster these days. The ubiquitous target of scammers is users’ data, which they naturally want to use to get their money.
This is now apparently also the case with Booking.com. The consumer advice center is now warning of a new scam on the booking platform.
How to recognize the scam at Booking
According to the consumer advice center, the new scam at Booking only takes place after a real booking has been made. In these cases, those affected have received messages that appear to come from their booked accommodation.
This is because the scammers can apparently access the real booking data of the platforms and pretend to be the respective guesthouse or vacation apartment.
The messages then ask users to enter their credit card details again. Here, they are directed to an external site that then accesses the data.
The problem with private messages
One victim described the scam to the consumer advice center: “I was contacted by the hotel directly in their messaging portal and asked to verify my payment details. At the same time, I received a WhatsApp with my real name and the name of the hotel.”
The booking number provided by Booking and the period of stay were also correct. The person concerned was then informed on WhatsApp that they still had to go through a verification process via the Booking message. This was necessary according to “an update to the booking rules”.
Booking scam redirects to external site
A link in the message then took the victim to an external site. This naturally looked like Booking.com, but had a different Internet address.
The consumer advice center therefore advises to only use the payment options within the booking platform. Should problems arise, it is always advisable to first contact the customer service of the respective platform or the booked accommodation.
When sending emails or other messages, consumers should also always make sure that the sender’s address or the internet address appears to be correct. When booking accommodation, it is also advisable – if possible – to select payment on site.
