Booking.com fraud in Austria: AK warns of fake emails and payment traps
Criminals are sending deceptively authentic emails in the name of Booking.com accommodation providers. The Chamber of Labour provides concrete tips on how to protect yourself.
False booking confirmations: How the fraud scheme works
As heute.at reports, the Chamber of Labour (AK) is warning of a fraud scheme related to Booking.com that is increasingly affecting holidaymakers in Austria. After booking a trip, an email lands in the inbox – ostensibly from the accommodation. It requests confirmation of booking data, entry of credit card details, or payment in advance, otherwise threatening cancellation.
The insidious part: According to the AK, the messages frequently contain correct personal data and travel information. Linked websites also look deceptively authentic. In reality, they are criminals who have previously obtained customer data.
With a tight deadline and the cancellation threat, the fraudsters apply pressure. Whoever pays via the link provided transfers money directly to the perpetrators. Some affected individuals attempted the transaction multiple times because it appeared not to go through – and as a result lost many times the original amount. The AK also points out that even a single external link in the email can install malware on a smartphone or computer.
The most important protection rule: Do not enter payment or booking data via a link from a suspicious email. If a different payment method is suddenly requested, contact the accommodation or Booking.com directly – using contact details you look up yourself.
Anyone who has already disclosed credit card details should have the card blocked immediately. For money already transferred, the AK recommends: contact your bank immediately, stop further payments, request a chargeback, secure evidence and file a report with the police.
Source: Google News AT — Crime (de)