As soon as someone books the accommodation, the booking will be canceled a short time later. Away from Booking.com's communication channels, the booker is offered a “confirmation of payment method” and a new booking. However, instead of a confirmation, a direct transfer to the fraudsters is required. However, the promised booking never materializes.
Booking.com is undoubtedly one of the most popular platforms for booking vacation rentals. The booking usually goes smoothly. However, occasionally fraudsters manage to list accommodations on Booking.com. Offers are currently appearing that offer free cancellation and payment upon arrival. After a cancellation by the property, which is still communicated through Booking.com channels, the scammers try to redirect you to fraudulent sites to complete a booking. A supposed payment confirmation turns out to be a transfer and the money is lost. The promised booking never materializes.
How does the fraud work?
First, the fraudsters register an accommodation with Booking.com. It is unclear whether they are using phishing to gain access to an originally legitimate account or to create a new account. The advertised offer is designed to be very attractive, so that free cancellation and payment on site is possible. When booking the accommodation everything seems to be going smoothly at first. But soon the bad surprise comes: the accommodation cancels the stay via Booking.com.
If you attempt to contact the property or if the property proactively contacts you via external communication channels such as WhatsApp or email, you should exercise caution. The fraudsters claim that the booking was only canceled because the payment method could not be confirmed. As soon as this has been done, the booking should be carried out as originally planned.
Danger! You will be redirected to fake websites that have nothing to do with http://booking.com for supposed verification. In a recent case, victims were directed to booking.funds-onlines.com!
What happens when the supposed confirmation occurs?
Please note that after entering your payment details, an amount must be approved for confirmation in your banking application. It claims that no debit will be made and the money will be immediately available back into your account. But reality quickly shows: the money was debited, the supposed confirmation was actually a payment and a chargeback never occurs!
How can you recognize the fraud?
It is entirely possible for a property to actually cancel a booking. However, it is a clear sign of fraud if you are then asked to confirm your payment! In general: The entire booking process must be carried out via http://booking.com. As soon as an accommodation asks you to communicate via external channels, confirm payment methods or promise a reservation after a cancellation, you should become suspicious!
What to do after a transfer?
If you have already fallen victim to such a scam, you should contact your bank as soon as possible. The faster this happens after the transfer, the greater the chance that the money has not yet reached the recipient's account and the transfer can be reversed.
Report fraudulent behavior on Booking.com. How to protect others from this scam. If login details were also requested during verification, change your password immediately. If you have suffered damage, we recommend that you report it to the police.
Also read: Comment on online violence: When verbal attacks escalate online and heat lockdown? Is Lauterbach planning a heat lockdown in the summer?
Source: Watchlist Internet
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