Booking.com under Brussels' scrutiny. "It's a serious problem"

The European Commission is investigating a significant rise in fraud related to accommodation bookings, with a reported 500% increase in scams on Booking.com. Fraudsters are taking over accounts and demanding extra payments from unsuspecting tourists. In the first half of 2026, the Dutch anti-fraud hotline received 1,072 reports of such scams, resulting in losses of €82,000. The Commission is also looking into fake hotel listings and how Booking.com handles customer data to prevent fraud. Additionally, the Commission will examine the platform's advertising practices to ensure transparency for users. If violations are confirmed, Booking.com could face fines up to 6% of its global annual revenue.