CAUTION: There’s a NEW Hotel Booking Scam Out There

As much as we wish it weren’t true, scam risks associated with travel seem to be on the rise.

Whether it be pick pocketing, unintentionally booking hotel stays via fraudulent links, or petty theft in high-traffic tourist areas, it’s important to be aware of the scams that can take place. We recently heard of a new hotel booking scam, and we don’t want it to happen to you!

The Sydney Morning Herald Traveller reported that a new phishing scam has caused many Booking.com customers in Australia to release personal bank information to scammers since November 2023. Booking.com is a website that allows you to book a wide variety of accomodations.

According to The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch Program, several customers have experienced highly-convincing emails from what looks like Booking.com — asking them to confirm their banking information or asking them to re-book after their reservation was cancelled. The number of phishing scams was seven times higher in 2023 than previous years. Most online scams are conducted on an international basis, so no matter where you live, be on the lookout for this!

It’s typically only after credit card information is given up that folks suspect foul play. Booking.com did not confirm how many people had been targeted by phishing attacks, but did confirm that their booking platform hadn’t been breached. Instead, the scammers are somehow accessing lodging hosts’ accounts and impersonating them as they attempt to get bank information.

Booking.com said, “If a customer ever has any concerns about a payment message, we encourage them to first carefully check the payment policy details outlined on the property listing page and in their booking confirmation.”

It’s important to be on the lookout for scam emails. No legitimate site will ask you to send private information over email, text, chats, and they often won’t even ask you to share card information over the phone.

We’re constantly keeping an eye out for the latest travel news so that you can be aware and stay safe. Make sure to follow along so that you’re always in the loop!

Traveling to the Bahamas soon? Be aware of this travel advisory. 

Will you be traveling soon? Let us know in the comments!

Post a Comment