Watch out for these common Booking.com scams to avoid getting stung

Booking.com has transformed into a top destination for travelers searching for holiday deals, car rentals, and flight bookings. However, with great popularity comes great attention from cybercriminals who prey on unsuspecting victims planning their vacations.

The platform has acknowledged the surge in travel scams, with cybercriminals exploiting tools like ChatGPT to launch sophisticated attacks. As vacation season peaks, let’s uncover the most prevalent scams targeting Booking.com users and how to safeguard yourself.

Phishing

Phishing emails, texts, and social messages are commonly used by fraudsters to impersonate reputable entities like Booking.com to deceive victims into believing they are interacting with legitimate representatives. These scams often create a sense of urgency, prompting victims to click on malicious links to rectify non-existent issues or risk losing their reservations.

The availability of advanced AI tools has made phishing attempts more convincing, posing a serious threat to unsuspecting individuals and businesses.

Hijacked Chats

Scammers have been known to exploit Booking.com’s messaging system by infiltrating hotel accounts and contacting guests directly to request additional payments under the guise of reservation confirmations. Whether it’s a fake error or a verification request, users should remain vigilant and avoid sharing personal or payment information.

Non-Existent Accommodation

Some scammers advertise fake luxury properties at irresistible prices, leading vacationers to pay for accommodations that do not exist. While Booking.com swiftly removes these fraudulent listings, travelers are urged to conduct thorough research, including verifying reviews, prices, and images, to avoid falling victim to such scams.

Fake Job Offers

Scammers often lure individuals with fake job offers, prompting them to pay advance fees or divulge personal information under the guise of hotel reviews. Booking.com does not solicit individuals for hotel reviews via unsolicited messages, and users should exercise caution when encountering such scams.

12 Tips to Avoid Booking.com and Travel Scams

• Be wary of phishing emails or messages requesting urgent action.
• Verify sender email addresses and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
• Always make payments through the official Booking.com platform.
• Check reviews and ratings for authenticity and cross-check information across platforms.
• Keep devices and software up-to-date to mitigate security risks.
• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
• Report any suspicious activity to the platform’s customer service.

By staying informed and cautious, travelers can protect themselves from falling victim to Booking.com scams and enjoy a safe and memorable vacation experience. Bon voyage!