Hotel booking: fake platform

Vacations are not always all sunshine: sometimes there can be nasty surprises. Fraudsters post fake hotel booking platforms on the Internet. Victims who have supposedly booked a hotel via such a fake platform confirm the booking by providing credit card details. This allows the fraudsters to misuse the credit card of the victims.

For relaxing vacations, the Federal Office of Police (Fedpol) therefore recommends:

1. Pay attention to the design of the website: the contacts provided or even spelling mistakes can be an indication of a fake booking platform.
2. If in doubt, do not disclose personal or credit card information.
3. Compare offers (e.g. conditions, pictures or similar) with the website of the desired hotel. If necessary, ask the hotel directly.
4. Have your credit card blocked if you have been a victim of fraud.

Victims of fraud can file a complaint with the cantonal police and discuss the case with the Registration form Report Fedpol.

Source: Fedpol