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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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43 Articles
43 Articles
A consumer organisation operates a fake entry on the Booking.com travel platform for two months.
·Zürich, Switzerland
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Tens of politicians have fought over the years to call this residence "home." However, Downing Street 10, the residence of British premiers, has been listed by Booking.com. The tourist reservation platform is accused of having serious security issues after allowing the creation and acceptance of the payment for a false listing with this address, reports The Guardian.
·Bucharest, Romania
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources43
Leaning Left9Leaning Right2Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution47% Left
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources lean Left
47% Left
L 47%
C 42%
11%
Factuality
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