Phishing scams targeting guests are on the rise – leaving hotels to deal with the fallout, from lost trust to unexpected financial strain
Jun 5, 2025
A growing wave of phishing scams on Booking.com is not just hurting travelers – it’s damaging hotels. Cybercriminals impersonate hosts and send convincing messages through WhatsApp or even Booking.com’s own app, tricking guests into paying outside the platform. While the platform claims its systems are secure, hoteliers are left to deal with confused, upset guests and potential reputational damage—despite having no involvement in the scams. As trust in the booking process erodes, the hospitality industry is paying the real price.
Key takeaways for hoteliers
- Scam activity is rising sharply: Booking.com admitted to a 500–900% increase in scams over an 18-month period. Yet robust preventative action appears lacking – raising concern for accommodation providers.
