Brits overseas warned about ‘faux’ texts hitting telephones proper now – you can lose £700
As Easter getaways peak, experts warn holidaymakers are being hit with increasingly convincing Booking.com-style scam messages, often using real booking details
Holidaymakers have been warned about scam texts pretending to be airlines and hotels(Image: Getty Images)
With Easter travel in full swing, thousands of Brits are currently abroad enjoying spring breaks across Europe and beyond. But alongside the surge in travel, experts say there’s also been a sharp rise in scam messages targeting holidaymakers while they’re away.
These messages often appear to come from well-known platforms like Booking.com, airlines or even the hotel itself, and they’re designed to look as convincing as possible. Recent investigations have shown just how sophisticated these scams have become.
In one widely reported case, travellers received messages that included their real booking reference, name and travel dates, making it almost impossible to distinguish from a genuine hotel request.
Philip Huthwaite, tech expert at 5app, says the timing is what makes these scams so dangerous. He said: “When you’re travelling, you’re expecting updates.
“You’re waiting for messages about your flight, your hotel, or your booking, so when something comes through that looks urgent, you don’t question it in the same way. They’ll say your booking is at risk, your payment has failed, or your reservation could be cancelled.
“That urgency is what pushes people to act quickly without thinking.”
How the Booking.com-style scam actually works
In many cases, scammers pose as your accommodation provider and ask you to verify your payment details or confirm your booking.
“These messages often come via text, email, WhatsApp or even through platforms that look official,” Philip said. Consumer watchdog reports have warned that criminals are now using real booking data to make these messages more believable, posing as hotels or apartments and asking for payment verification.
In Germany this year, consumer protection agencies have flagged a growing number of these cases, where scammers impersonate accommodation providers and send convincing payment requests linked to real bookings. The expert noted: “They’re not just guessing anymore.
Philip said: “They often have enough information to make it feel legitimate, which is why people fall for it.” In some cases, scammers have even accessed hotel systems and contacted guests directly, sending links to fake pages designed to capture payment details.
People are losing hundreds and sometimes more
The financial impact can be serious. Recent reports show that Booking.com-related scams alone have led to hundreds of cases in the UK, with around £370,000 lost and average losses of roughly £700 per victim.
Philip added: “We’ve seen people lose hundreds in minutes. They think they’re securing their booking, but they’re actually handing their details straight to a scammer.”
Similar scams have also been reported across platforms like Airbnb, where fake listings or cloned booking pages have tricked travellers into paying large sums upfront. “This isn’t limited to one platform. It’s happening across the entire travel ecosystem,” the expert warned.
The red flags Brits should look out for
Philip said there are a few key warning signs. “The biggest one is urgency. If a message is telling you to act immediately or risk losing your booking, that’s a major red flag.”
He also warns about links. “If you’re being asked to click a link to confirm payment or details, stop,” he said. “Legitimate platforms like Booking.com won’t ask you to do that in a text message.”
Another issue is unexpected contact. “If you weren’t expecting a message, or it feels out of context, don’t trust it straight away,” he added.
What to do if you receive one of these messages
The expert said: “Do not click the link, do not reply, and do not enter any information. If you’re unsure, go directly to the official app or website and check your booking there.
“Contact the provider directly. If something doesn’t feel right, call the hotel or airline using official contact details.”
For UK travellers, reporting is also important. Philip further noted: “You can forward suspicious texts to 7726, which helps block scam numbers.”
What to do if you’ve already clicked
Philip said continued: “If you’ve already interacted with a scam message, acting quickly is crucial. Contact your bank immediately if you’ve entered any payment details.
“They can help prevent further transactions.” He also advises changing passwords.
The expert explained: “If you’ve entered login details, update your passwords straight away. And avoid reusing the same password across multiple accounts.
“Keep an eye on your bank activity and app logins for anything unusual. Travelling makes people more vulnerable”
Philip says the reason these scams are so effective comes down to mindset. He said: “When you’re on holiday, you’re distracted.
“You’re moving between places, relying on your phone more, and often dealing with unfamiliar situations. They know people are less cautious and more reactive.”
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