Booking.com targeted in EU investigation into phishing scams, fraudulent listings
EU regulators will examine whether Booking.com failed to curb fake listings, phishing and paid boosts, with possible fines reaching 6% of global turnover.
- On Wednesday, the European Commission launched an investigation into Booking under the Digital Services Act to determine if the platform adequately mitigates fraudulent listings and phishing scams.
- A Dutch consumers report recorded a "tenfold" increase in fraud notifications this year compared to 2025, with losses in the region of €82,000 on Booking.
- The Commission is examining whether Booking properly identified risks from fake listings and impersonation fraud, while investigating if paid "boosted listings" are clearly identifiable as advertisements.
- Under the Digital Services Act, Booking Holdings could face fines of up to 6 per cent of global annual turnover if officials conclude anti-fraud measures are "absolutely substandard."
- EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen stated, "Europeans should be able to book their holidays without fear of being scammed," as the Commission conducts an "in-depth investigation as a matter of priority.
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136 Articles
Bloc also assesses safeguards against personal data misuse for phishing, payment fraud
On Wednesday, the European Commission launched an investigation against Booking.com, the world's largest online booking platform, over whether it is in breach of the Digital Services Act and whether it is doing enough to tackle the risk of false ads and fraud. “Europeans would [...] The announcement by the EC launched an investigation against Booking.com: “Europeans have the right to book vacation without fear of fraud” appeared for the first ti…
EU opens formal probe into Booking.com over fake listings and scams
On Oct. 21, 2026 the EU opened a formal DSA probe into Booking.com after Dutch data showed a tenfold jump in fraud cases; fines can hit 6% of global turnover. · 21 sources across the spectrum on IJR News.
The travel platform is suspected not to have done enough against fraudsters.
Data Security | European Commission Investigates Whether Booking.com Has Done Enough to Combat Fraud
According to the Commission, non-existent items have been traded on the platform, and customer data may have ended up in the wrong hands.
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