Booking.com targeted in EU investigation into phishing scams, fraudulent listings
BKNG•The European Commission opened an investigation into whether Booking.com is doing enough to tackle fraudulent listings, phishing scams and other risks under the Digital Services Act. Platforms can face fines of up to 6% of global annual turnover for violations.
1. EU investigation opened
The European Commission said it opened an investigation after a preliminary probe and analysis of risk assessment reports Booking.com submitted this year and during the previous three years. The investigation will examine fake listings, impersonation fraud and non-compliant accommodation offers, as well as whether Booking.com properly identified, assessed and mitigated related systemic risks.
2. Scams and advertising
Regulators will also examine phishing scams exploiting reservation and guest data shared with accommodation providers, and paid boosted listings that may not be clearly identifiable as advertisements. Booking.com said it was engaging constructively with the Commission and that security, trust and personal information protection are priorities.
