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Booking.com issue related to a UK reservation.

I've had a few problems in the past with Booking.com, so I avoid using them. Today something odd happened, I'm not sure where the issue is. I was working out and watching something on my phone and some message quickly flashed by on my phone. Usually that means I've received an email or a message. I did see it was something to do with a booking on Booking.com. I couldn't find an imessage or a new email. Then I remembered that it might have said Meta. I rarely use Whats app and then only when I'm traveling out of the country. I accessed the message on Whatsapp. It is from some organization called "Asset Integrated INFO system and it was about a booking I had made on Booking.com. I recalled I had made a one night reservation and then cancelled it. I have about 12 or so inns reserved for my September trip to Ireland. None of the existing reservations were booked thru booking.com. I tried to look at my booking.com app and it wouldn't load. In fact, the booking app still doesn't load on my phone. When I got home I looked at Booking.com on my computer. I had made a booking with the date in question at the place the message referenced, but cancelled it a couple days later. The message on Whatsapp is asking for additional information on the reservation. Since, I'm not sure what this organization is, and I did cancel the reservation thru booking.com, I'm not sure if I should respond. If it is a scam, I don't want to provide information. Also, since I did cancel thru Booking, I don't think I'm required to do anything more.

In regards to Whatsapp, I don't check it, since I don't expect to be getting any messages there. So if organizations are trying to contact me thru this means, I'm unlikely to see it.

Interested in any thoughts on this.

Posted by
6709 posts

It is a scam.

Google booking.com whatsapp phishing scam and you will see lots of info on this.

Posted by
8523 posts

Wow, they have the correct dates and the correct name of the place I had booked.

Thanks, Laura.

Posted by
9481 posts

It is simple, go to your Booking.com account and look at the booking. Do not respond to anything outside of the platform. Booking has a messaging function. The con is they contact you outside of the platform, either the property or a scammer, and get you to take some action, usually motivated by a lower price or cost, essentially out of insecurity or greed.

That said, a place I have used a place through booking,com several times, I pay them via WhatsApp vs onsite, but that is an exception, and easier for everyone, but the booking is still on Booking.

As for the WhatsApp platform, I have found that almost all independent stays have preferred that form of communication, they avoid international calling charges.

Posted by
12312 posts

Booking.com had a breach a few months ago and client emails, phones, and some reservation PINs were compromised. Financial data was NOT compromised. I received notifications on several reservations that the site had changed my reservation PINs for security, even on some reservations I had, like you, already cancelled. I have also had messages from one hotel warning me not to accept any WhatsApp messages purporting to be from them. In addition, I have had WhatsApp messages from a couple of the other properties asking for payment.

If you are paying through Booking.com you are protected.

Posted by
8523 posts

Paul, yes, the first thing I did once I could access Booking.com, was to make sure I did cancel the reservation, which I had.

@Laurel, well, that sure explains it all.

Posted by
4195 posts

Also, I recommend you change your Booking.com password and set up a two factor authentication for logging in. It is not fool proof but it is prudent to update that now. As already noted, only respond to properties you reserve through Booking using their messaging platform. Like Laurel, I recently got a message from a property I reserved on Booking warning me not to reply to any WhatsApp messages that appear to be from them.

Posted by
3966 posts

Had a similar experience with a Booking.com reservation I made and then later canceled. I received a text purporting to be directly from the hotel asking me to confirm some information. I rechecked on the Booking.com App that I had canceled the reservation and, since it had been canceled. I knew the text was bogus.
Booking.com must be aware of this scam as it warns customers to only communicate directly through the Booking App..

Another sign of fraud is when you’ve only used the website or App and a later message comes by text or
WhatsApp. That has happened several times in the past year and when the medium of communication changes to text or WhatsApp, it’s wise to not take the bait!