Travel Scams
Discover how scammers target travelers by sending phishing emails and posting fake listings on popular vacation booking platforms like Booking.com
03 Jul 2024
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5 min. read
Booking.com has emerged as a top choice for travelers seeking holiday accommodation deals, car rentals, and airline tickets. It is the most visited travel and tourism website globally, processing over a billion bookings in 2023, double the figure from 2016.
Cybercriminals have taken notice of Booking.com’s popularity, targeting online services with high traffic. Vacation booking websites provide lucrative opportunities for scammers to prey on unsuspecting victims.
Booking.com has acknowledged the rise in travel scams, reporting a “500 to 900% increase” in the past 18 months, largely due to cybercriminals misusing tools like ChatGPT since November 2022.
As vacation season heats up, let’s explore common scams on Booking.com and how to protect yourself while using the platform.
Phishing Attacks
Scammers use phishing emails, texts, and social media messages to impersonate reputable platforms or organizations. They deceive victims into believing they are interacting with official representatives, often creating a sense of urgency to lure them into clicking on malicious links.
Booking.com is not immune to these scams, with fraudsters posing as the platform or affiliated services to trick users into making payments under false pretenses.
Generative AI tools have made phishing emails more convincing, leading to increased success in tricking individuals and businesses into divulging sensitive information or downloading malware.
Hijacked Chats
Some scammers exploit Booking.com’s messaging system to deceive users. By compromising hotel accounts, they contact guests directly through the platform’s chat feature, requesting additional payments or sensitive information.
While these incidents are not due to platform breaches, users should be cautious of any requests for personal or payment data through unsolicited communications.
Non-Existent Accommodation
Fraudsters advertise fake holiday properties at attractive prices, only for victims to discover upon arrival that the accommodation does not exist or is not available for rent. While Booking.com removes fake listings, it’s essential to research and verify accommodations before booking.
Fake Job Offers
Scammers lure individuals with fake job offers, claiming to pay for hotel evaluations or likes on Booking.com links. Victims are often asked to pay upfront fees or provide personal information, which can lead to identity theft or financial loss.
Booking.com does not hire individuals to review hotels through unsolicited messages. Job opportunities are available through Booking Careers, and users should be cautious of scams.
12 Tips to Avoid Travel Scams
- Be wary of phishing emails requesting urgent actions or personal information.
- Verify emails from official domains and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
- Log into your account directly to confirm any claims made in communications.
- Avoid sharing sensitive information like credit card details or passwords via email or chat.
- Use official payment channels on Booking.com and avoid direct transfers to accommodation providers.
- Check reviews, ratings, and details of accommodations before booking.
- Ensure your devices have updated security software to prevent malware attacks.
- Keep your software updated to mitigate security vulnerabilities.
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication for online accounts.
- Report any suspicious activity to customer service immediately.
- Contact your bank if you suspect payment information has been compromised.
Stay safe and enjoy your travels!
BEFORE YOU GO: Stay informed about travel scams to protect yourself during your vacation
