Data breach at booking service provider: Werzers Resort at Lake Wörthersee warns of WhatsApp fraud
Following a security incident at vioma GmbH, unknown individuals are sending fraudulent WhatsApp messages to hotel guests. According to the current status, credit card data is not affected.
Werzers Resort warns guests after data breach at booking system
The Werzers Hotel Resort Pörtschach at Lake Wörthersee has warned its guests about fraudulent WhatsApp messages, as reported by Kleine Zeitung. The trigger is a security incident at the booking service provider vioma GmbH, in which unknown individuals apparently gained access to personal guest data.
The unauthorised access to the booking system reportedly occurred on 2 November. Names, telephone numbers, email addresses and specific booking data could be affected. The hotel informed its guests on Saturday via email and on its own website.
According to the hotel, there are already indications of targeted fraud attempts. An alleged "check-in manager" named Diana is contacting guests via WhatsApp and asking them to confirm their data within twelve hours via a link. The messages refer to actual reservations and stays, which suggests access to genuine booking data.
The resort recommends ignoring such messages, not opening any links and not disclosing personal data, passwords or payment information. If in doubt, guests should contact the hotel directly.
Vioma GmbH has closed the security gap and filed a criminal complaint, according to its own statements. Credit card data is not affected according to current knowledge.
Source: Kleine Zeitung