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Action Fraud is warning everyone who uses Booking.com to stay vigilant against fraudulent emails or messages from hotel accounts. Criminals are hacking into hotel accounts and tricking customers into paying money or sharing bank details. What’s Happening?Targeted Hotels: Fraudsters are targeting hotels’ Booking.com accounts through phishing attacks.Deceptive Messages: Once they gain access, criminals send emails, in-app messages, or WhatsApp messages pretending to be the hotel. These often request payments or credit card details.Real Losses: From June 2023 to September 2024, 532 people reported being scammed, losing a total of £370,000.Key Warning SignsUnusual Requests: A hotel account asks for payment or credit card details unexpectedly.Urgent Payment Demands: You’re told your booking may be cancelled if you don’t pay immediately.Suspicious Links or Attachments: Messages contain links or files asking you to follow instructions.Stay Safe and Protect YourselfNo Phone/Email Payments: Legitimate Booking.com transactions don’t require you to provide payment details by phone, email, or text.Verify Directly: If a hotel asks for payment details, confirm their identity. Contact Booking.com customer service using official details, not those in the message.Double-Check Changes: Any payment requests that don’t match your booking confirmation should be confirmed with Booking.com before you act.Be Wary of Links: Treat messages with links or downloads claiming to be from Booking.com cautiously.How to Report Suspicious MessagesEmails: Forward to report@phishing.gov.ukText Messages: Forward to 7726What to Do If You’ve Been ScammedAct Quickly: Notify your bank immediately on 159.Report the Fraud: Visit Action Fraud or call 0300 123 2040.For further advice, visit Stop! Think Fraud Stay alert, protect your money, and enjoy a safer holiday experience! |
