- Travel Safety
- Booking.com Scam
- Cybersecurity
Protect yourself from sophisticated Booking.com scams targeting Aussie travellers. Learn how scammers trick you, and discover simple tips to keep your bookings safe.
The New Booking.com Scam: What You Need to Know
Imagine the excitement of finally booking your dream holiday—only to receive a sudden, urgent message claiming your reservation is at risk unless you confirm your credit card details immediately. This scenario isn’t hypothetical; it’s the latest sophisticated Booking.com scam affecting Australian travellers.
How Does the Scam Work?
Unlike common scams, these messages look incredibly authentic, often coming directly through the Booking.com platform after scammers have hacked into accommodation providers' accounts. They exploit legitimate booking details, making it extremely difficult to detect.
- Real Booking Details: Scammers access genuine booking information, lending credibility to their fraudulent messages.
- Urgent Requests: Victims are told their booking will be cancelled unless immediate action is taken, creating panic and urgency.
- Fake Websites and Malware: Links in the messages may lead to convincing fake Booking.com pages designed to steal credit card details or install malware on your device.
Recognising the Signs of the Scam
- Messages demanding urgent payment verification or pre-authorisation.
- Links directing you away from the official Booking.com website.
- Requests to accept cookies that could install malicious software.
- Errors in grammar or spelling, combined with urgent, threatening language.
How to Avoid Becoming a Victim
Follow these steps to stay secure:
- Pause Before You Act: Never rush to respond to unexpected booking notifications.
- Verify Payment Policies: Double-check the official Booking.com confirmation email or the property’s payment policy directly through their site.
- Direct Contact Only: Contact Booking.com or the accommodation directly using official details, not those in suspicious messages.
- Avoid Clicking Links: Use the official Booking.com app or website directly rather than following emailed links.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add extra security to your Booking.com account by activating two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Report Immediately: If you provide credit card details on a suspicious site, immediately notify your bank to secure your accounts.
Why Are These Scams So Effective?
The global reach of Booking.com combined with the increased sophistication of phishing attacks, often boosted by advanced AI, makes these scams particularly dangerous. Even savvy travellers can be fooled, highlighting the need for increased vigilance.
What’s Being Done to Stop These Scams?
Booking.com and regulatory bodies in Australia and globally are stepping up security measures, enhancing education, and issuing alerts. However, personal vigilance remains essential.
Final Tips for Safe Travel Bookings
Always stay cautious, verify any unexpected messages, and remember: if it feels suspicious, it probably is. Enjoy your travels safely, knowing you’ve taken steps to protect yourself.
Comments from our readers
Scam awareness needed
While this article highlights crucial information, it lacks comprehensive strategies to educate other travellers and promote awareness. More emphasis on sharing these warnings within communities and using social media to spread the word could significantly prevent potential victims. Knowing how to identify and report these scams is just as important as understanding their mechanics.
Great information
Thank you for this insightful article! It’s concerning to hear about these scams, but your tips on staying vigilant are incredibly helpful. I appreciate the emphasis on verifying information and using official channels. It's a good reminder for all travellers to be cautious and protect ourselves. Keep up the great work in educating us!