Booking.com impersonation targets crypto users
How scammers leverage a trusted travel brand to trick crypto investors
Security firms report that fraudsters are posing as Booking.com in a phishing campaign aimed at cryptocurrency users by promoting a bogus “Crypto Travel Summit”, exploiting the brand’s credibility to lure victims.
Key takeaways
- Fraudulent summit invite: A fake email announced an “Exclusive Crypto Travel Summit” in Dubai, allegedly organised by Booking.com and Coinbase, listing prominent crypto figures as speakers — a clear fabrication.
- Obvious red flags: The invitation included an RSVP deadline that had already passed, indicating the scam lacked basic legitimacy.
- Massive phishing surge: Booking.com confirmed a 900 % increase in reported impersonation attempts targeting its users.
- Crypto-specific scam trend: This case follows a broader rise in scams targeting cryptocurrency users, including fake listing agents and spoofed customer support efforts.
- Brand advice: Booking.com emphasised it never uses messaging apps like Telegram or WhatsApp for recruitment or support, and urged users to avoid entering payment details or clicking on suspicious links.
Get the full story in BeInCrypto