Holiday Booking Scams on the Rise

You’ve booked your city break to Paris on booking.com, and everything seems set. But weeks before your trip, you get a message from “the hotel” asking for a deposit, a copy of your ID, or an extra payment. The message looks official, comes through Booking’s own system, and even includes your travel details — but it’s a scam.

Criminals are breaking into hotel accounts on booking.com. With that access, they can send convincing messages to guests directly. Because the details are accurate, many people trust the request and click the link provided. The link leads to a fake payment page, where victims end up losing money or sharing sensitive personal details.

The fallout can be severe: from hundreds of pounds lost to cases of identity theft. Booking.com has confirmed an investigation is underway, but the scam continues to circulate, putting new travellers at risk.

What you should do

• Contact the hotel directly using its official website or phone number if you receive an unusual request.

• Only share your ID at check-in — never in advance.

• Never pay through external links, even if they appear inside Booking’s platform.