Booking.com targeted in EU investigation into phishing scams, fraudulent listings

The European Commission has launched an investigation into online hotel reservation website Booking.com, according to the European Commission, which opened the probe following a preliminary examination and analysis of risk assessment reports submitted by the company over the past four years. The investigation is part of the EU's efforts to ensure big online platforms comply with the Digital Services Act and tackle illegal and harmful content on their sites, with potential fines of up to 6% of global annual turnover for violations.

Booking.com stated that protecting personal information and combating cybercrime are top priorities for the company, and it is engaging constructively with the Commission. The investigation will specifically focus on fake listings, impersonation fraud, non-compliant accommodation offers, and whether Booking.com has adequately identified, assessed, and mitigated systemic risks related to these issues.

Additionally, regulators will examine phishing scams that exploit Booking.com's reservation and guest data shared with accommodation providers, as well as paid-for boosted listings not clearly identifiable as advertisements.