A surge in booking.com email scams involves hackers compromising hotel accounts to send legitimate-looking, urgent messages requesting payment via malicious links. These phishing emails often include accurate booking details (names, dates) and threaten cancellation if payment is not immediately "verified". Booking.com will never ask for payment details via email or chat.
About the Scam
- Urgency: Demands for payment or verification within a few hours to avoid cancellation.
- External Links: Directs you to a payment page outside the official Booking.com app or website.
- Incorrect Sender: Check the "from" address for subtle misspellings (e.g.,
info@booking-hotels.com instead of @booking.com).
Protect Yourself
- Do Not Click: Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments in suspicious messages.
- Verify Directly: Contact the hotel directly using a telephone number found on their official website, not one provided in the suspicious email.
- Check Payment Policies: Check your booking confirmation in the official app to verify if payment is truly due.
- Use Official Channels: Communicate only through the official booking.com platform.
If you have provided credit card details or lost money, contact your bank immediately and report the scam to the relevant local authorities.