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Watchdog set up Downing Street listing on Booking.com to expose security gaps
Which? said the site allowed a fake booking, a bogus review and an external payment link, exposing fraud controls it says failed to stop scams.
- Consumer watchdog Which? exposed security gaps on Booking.com by listing 10 Downing Street as a holiday rental on June 18th; the fake property remained active for two months until its removal on August 27.
- Booking.com previously claimed its 'sophisticated AI systems' detect and remove most fraudulent listings within 24 hours, yet the watchdog's investigation uncovered systemic security failures despite these assertions.
- Researchers bolstered the listing with a fake review rating it 'exceptional' and referencing 'hanging out with Larry The Cat,' while using Booking.com's messaging system to send external links requesting payment details.
- Booking.com responded by claiming the 'limited test' did not reflect experience across millions of listings, arguing automatic fraud controls were not triggered because the property was not 'live.'
- Which? has urged Ofcom to use the Online Safety Act to crack down on platforms leaving consumers vulnerable to fraud, declaring Booking.com's security checks 'unfit for purpose.
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31 Articles
31 Articles
Booking a room at the most famous house number in the United Kingdom was possible for a while, and Booking.com did nothing about it. According to the British consumer association, at least fourteen customers were willing to pay for a fake booking at 10 Downing Street.
·Rotterdam, Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
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Total News Sources31
Leaning Left8Leaning Right2Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution47% Left
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources lean Left
47% Left
L 47%
C 41%
12%
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