Scams
Fraudsters often use deceitful tactics to target unsuspecting travelers looking to book a well-deserved getaway, from sending sophisticated phishing emails to creating fake property listings.
Since its inception, Booking.com has emerged as a primary destination for travelers seeking lodging options, as well as a platform for businesses offering car rentals and airfare bookings. Globally, the total amount has more than doubled since 2016, reaching a staggering figure that surpasses the previous record by a considerable margin.
As its popularity has grown, so too have the attention of cybercriminals, who are naturally drawn to online platforms with high traffic volumes. Online travel booking platforms have become a lucrative hunting ground for scammers.
Booking.com acknowledges the significant scale of the challenge, having witnessed a remarkable “500-900% surge” over the past 18 months, primarily driven by developments since November 2022.
As peak travel season unfolds, it’s essential to scrutinize common scams targeting Booking.com users, as well as develop keen instincts for spotting suspicious activity while using the platform?
Phishing
constant threat to your online security. In fraudulent schemes, scammers often pose as representatives of reputable platforms or organizations to deceive victims into thinking they are communicating directly with an official representative.
Scammers are relentless in their pursuit of unsuspecting victims on Reserving.com, crafting elaborate schemes where they impersonate the platform itself or representatives of a hotel or other services that users have booked via the site.
Scammers typically spin a convincing narrative, creating a sense of panic and prompting victims to click on a link that supposedly resolves an alleged issue or risks canceling their booking.
As the accessibility of generative AI tools increases, scammers are now able to craft increasingly sophisticated and effective fraud schemes, leaving victims vulnerable to financial losses. Phishing attacks can deceive victims by crafting emails that are linguistically sound, contextually relevant, and devoid of obvious red flags, ultimately persuading individuals and organizations to surrender sensitive information or transfer funds.
Hijacked chats
Scammers may take their tactics to a whole new level by crafting personalized and sophisticated attacks. Cybercriminals have successfully exploited a vulnerability that allows them to deceive unsuspecting victims.
Following their discovery of inn reservation methods, holidaymakers promptly reached out to numerous individuals via in-app chat, requesting immediate payment verification for confirmed bookings.
The scheme revolved around a purported mistake in the initial payment, prompting a demand for an additional charge and necessitating their withdrawal. In various iterations of this scam, perpetrators seek sensitive information such as bank account details or personal identification data under false pretenses to authenticate or verify reservations.
If the issue was not caused by a backend program or infrastructure breach, it is crucial to be vigilant and scrutinize any requests for personal or financial information, as these can potentially compromise your security.
Non-existent lodging
Some vacation properties appear to have leapt from the pages of a whimsical fairy tale, their lush surroundings and ornate details evoking a sense of enchantment. Some of these tales are so fantastical that they border on being utterly impossible? Over the years, numerous tourists have become victims of fraudulent rental listings where cybercriminals advertise luxurious vacation homes at unrealistically low prices, duping individuals into paying for bookings made through platforms like Booking.com. Upon arrival, you’ll find that the supposedly available accommodation either never existed in the first place or has been mislisted as a rental property.
As the platform’s safeguards swiftly take effect, false listings are promptly identified and removed. Despite this, consider the possibility that your trip may still be compromised; therefore, it’s wiser to conduct thorough research before making reservations.
Analyzing online reviews and ratings for the location, I compare its value to similar homes in the area, and conduct a reverse image search to verify whether the photo is original or potentially plagiarized from another website. If something appears too good to be true, it usually is.
Faux job presents
“We’re seeking someone to evaluate and review resort bookings.” We typically spend anywhere from $200 to $1,000. The message, purporting to be from a reputable travel company, starts with a misleading claim: “All it’s good to do is fee or just like the resort on [a faux Reserving.com hyperlink].” This is an innovative spin on traditional practices.
You’re subsequently asked to make an upfront payment to preserve their employment status and protect sensitive information such as social security numbers or other identifiable details that could be exploited for identity theft purposes? The scammers could also be online or offline, and their modus operandi may differ significantly.
How you can keep protected? Booking.com doesn’t typically rent out individuals to assess hotels, nor do they often engage with people via unsolicited text messages. Hiring occurs seamlessly through Reserved Careers, eliminating the need for users to search for vacant positions or evaluate hotel options.
When booking a vacation, there’s always an inherent risk of getting scammed. However, by being aware of potential pitfalls and taking necessary precautions, you can significantly minimize the likelihood of falling prey to these schemes. Here are 12 suggestions for avoiding ReserveWithGoogle and other travel scams:
Be wary of suspicious emails or messages that promise incredible deals or discounts on unbooked accommodations or travel packages?
Verify the authenticity of websites by checking their domain names, reviews, and contact information before making any transactions?
Research, research, research: read up on destinations, activities, and local customs to avoid cultural faux pas or misunderstandings?
Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks or unsecured connections for sensitive transactions like online bookings or money transfers?
Don’t click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources, as they may contain malware or phishing scams?
Keep personal and financial information private by using secure passwords, two-factor authentication, and keeping data up to date?
Don’t send money to strangers or unfamiliar entities without verifying their legitimacy through trusted sources or authorities?
Report any suspicious activity or potential scams to relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)?
Use reputable travel agencies, tour operators, or accommodation providers that have a strong reputation and physical presence?
Be wary of overly aggressive sales tactics or high-pressure offers that seem too good to be true?
Don’t book with companies that ask for upfront payments or deposits without providing clear refund policies or guarantees?
Keep copies of all booking confirmations, receipts, and correspondence in case of disputes or issues?
When utilising Booking.com, these guidelines will significantly contribute to your online safety:
- When interacting with representatives from Reserving.com or resorts where you’ve made reservations, exercise caution and scrutinize emails for telltale signs of phishing attempts, such as urgent demands for action.
- At all times, verify that emails are indeed sent from their designated sender’s domain to ensure authenticity, and exercise vigilance in the face of minor typographical errors or discrepancies. Several well-established email addresses are also included.
- If you receive any suspicious correspondence, immediately visit our website and log in to your account to verify any claims made.
- Booking.com never requests sensitive information such as full bank card details, social security numbers, or passwords via email or chat.
- Be cautious when interacting with unfamiliar digital communications and avoid clicking on links unless they are verified as legitimate and trustworthy.
- Elevate your financial future by securely making funds through the official Reserve.com platform. Avoid transferring funds directly to the hotel provider.
- Evaluating reviews and scores from Booking.com and searching for authentic and comprehensive assessments of lodgings. Verify and cross-reference accommodation details alongside visual representations across various travel websites or review platforms.
- Ensure that your devices are equipped with the latest safety software programs, safeguarding against malware and phishing attempts.
- Ensure that your operating system and various software programs remain updated to protect against security vulnerabilities.
- Protect your online presence by employing robust, one-of-a-kind passwords or passphrases, and enabling two-factor authentication for enhanced security.
- If you come across any suspicious exercises, promptly notify the platform’s customer support team.
- If you suspect that your fee information has been compromised, notify your financial institution or credit card provider immediately?
Bon voyage!
