Don’t get stung by these common Booking.com scams

The article discusses the rise of travel-related scams, particularly surrounding popular platforms like Booking.com, which has become a prime hunting ground for cybercriminals due to its extensive user traffic. Booking.com has processed over a billion bookings in 2023 alone, but this popularity has led to a significant increase—reported as a “500 to 900% increase” in travel scams over 18 months—that is exacerbated by the misuse of generative AI tools like ChatGPT.

One of the prevalent scams is phishing, where fraudsters impersonate Booking.com or its affiliated hotels through emails, texts, and social media messages. These scams are designed to instill urgency and pressure victims into making unintended payments by suggesting there is an issue with their bookings. These phishing attempts have become notably sophisticated, leveraging AI to create convincing communication that is often devoid of the typical red flags that might raise suspicion.

Another alarming tactic involves hijacked chats within the Booking.com platform. Scammers have successfully accessed hotel accounts, reaching out to customers through the built-in messaging system. They present false claims of payment issues, urging victims to send additional payments or sensitive information to allegedly secure their bookings. Despite this method not being a direct breach of Booking.com’s infrastructure, it highlights the need for heightened awareness among users regarding unsolicited communications requesting personal information.

Additionally, the article outlines incidents of non-existent accommodations. Fraudsters create appealing listings for properties that do not actually exist, often at exceptionally low prices, leading to traveler disappointment. While Booking.com’s systems may eventually catch these bogus listings, the damage to travelers may already be done. Thorough research on listings, checking reviews, and being wary of extraordinary deals is crucial to avoid such scams.

A further risk discussed is fake job offers that purport to be from Booking.com, offering lucrative pay for minimal effort. These scams typically require an advance fee or personal information, which can lead to identity theft. The article stresses that legitimate job recruitment by Booking.com occurs only through their official channels and that they do not solicit job offers via unsolicited messages.

To mitigate risks associated with online travel bookings, the article provides a series of safety tips. Users are advised to be vigilant for indicators of phishing, such as urgent requests, and to independently verify any claims by logging directly into their accounts. Genuine communications from Booking.com will not require sensitive information, such as full credit card details or Social Security numbers, via email or chat.

Recommendations also emphasize the importance of making payments solely through the official platform, scrutinizing reviews for authenticity, ensuring devices are equipped with updated security software, and maintaining strong password habits with two-factor authentication. Reporting suspicious activities to customer service and notifying financial institutions in cases of suspected information compromise are also advised.

In summary, as travelers increasingly rely on platforms like Booking.com for their holiday arrangements, awareness and vigilance against various sophisticated scams have become integral to safe online booking practices. The article serves as a call to action for travelers to stay informed and cautious to preserve their vacation experiences.