Trading Standards Warning - Booking.com Scam Emails

26th October 2023

Those who have booked accommodation via hotel platform Booking.com are being urged to be wary of scam emails asking them to confirm their payment details.

Several customers who were due to check in received scam emails claiming that their stay may be cancelled unless they provided their bank card details via a link within a certain time period.
The links in the emails led to malicious websites with Booking.com branding which were designed to gather customers' personal and financial details.

How To Avoid
Don't respond to unexpected messages about a recent accommodation booking that ask you for personal or banking details.

If you have any concerns about accommodation you have booked, contact the hotel/hostel directly using a number found on their official website.

Original article: www.theguardian.com/money/2023/oct/23/bookingcom-customers-targeted-by-scam-confirmation-emails
ABTA advice on avoiding fraud: www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/planning-and-booking-a-holiday/how-avoid-travel-related-fraud
Advice Direct Scotland: information about your consumer rights in relation to travel: consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/#travel-and-transport
TSS website: www.tsscot.co.uk/holiday-scams

General Advice on Avoiding Scams
Advice Direct Scotland: www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre or call 0808 164 6000
Citizens Advice Scotland: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/consumer
Police Scotland: www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds
Financial Conduct Authority: www.fca.org.uk/consumers/protect-yourself-scams
Neighbourhood Watch Scotland Alerts: www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk
Which?: www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/scams
Age Scotland: www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/information-advice/money-matters/scams/