05/09/2024
Received the following email this morning, the scammers are getting sneaky.
"Booking.com under attack
The rising threat to guests using Online Travel Agents
You'll probably have heard that online scammers have increasingly targeted Australia's accommodation industry, exploiting fake Booking.com links to defraud both guests and providers.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reported over $337,000 lost to Booking.com-related scams in 2023, an alarming trend affecting the sector which has continued into 2024.
Cybercriminals have gained access to accommodation providers' Booking.com accounts, sending fake messages to guests and creating fraudulent listings to siphon funds.
Scammers often infiltrate hotel systems via phishing emails and unsecured internal networks. Protecting these systems with measures like two-factor authentication can help deter such attacks.
The financial impact on both guests and hotels is severe, with even banks struggling to reimburse victims.
Booking.com has acknowledged the issue and stressed its commitment to ensuring platform security.
The National Anti-Scam Centre recommends you advise your guests to always verify emails received directly with the motel, never click a link in an email without checking it and never share passwords or credit card information over the phone or via email.
Be vigilant keep your business safe!"
Original article by Grantlee Kieza OAM. Link to the original article below.
https://www.accomnews.com.au/2024/08/booking-com-under-attack-the-unseen-threat-to-australias-accommodation-sector/
Warning: $337K scam surge, online fraudsters are targeting Aussie hotels, how can the industry combat this escalating threat?
