Travel Scams Target Users of Booking Websites
| As the warmer months approach and people begin planning their summer getaways, cybersecurity experts are warning travelers about a growing wave of scams targeting hotel and reservation platforms. A recent breach at Booking.com has led to a surge in “reservation hijacking” attacks, in which criminals impersonate hotels and contact guests using real booking details.
Attackers gained access to hotel partner systems and used that information to send convincing messages through Booking.com’s own platform. These messages often request updated payment information or claim there is an issue with the reservation. Booking.com is urging customers to stay cautious, reminding users that it will never ask for credit card details via email, phone, text, or messaging apps, nor request payments that differ from the original booking terms. Security researchers warn that the stolen reservation data makes these scams especially convincing, since criminals can reference real hotel names, dates, and guest information. Similar phishing campaigns have targeted Booking.com users in the past, and experts say the speed of these new attacks suggests a coordinated effort. How to stay safe:
Staying alert online is just as important as planning your summer trip. With scammers increasingly targeting travelers, taking a moment to verify messages, safeguarding your payment details, and reporting anything suspicious can help keep both your travel plans and your personal information secure.
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