Booking.com scam: 'DO NOT click on the link! But if you do, call Wendy Knowler'
Listener Daphne Jubber contacted consumer journalist Wendy Knowler after falling victim to a scam involving a website that appeared to be Booking.com.
Pippa Hudson interviews consumer journalist Wendy Knowler and Daphne Jubber, a scamming victim.
Listen below.
Booking a trip can be an exhilarating experience, filled with the anticipation of discovering new places and immersing yourself in different cultures.
With the convenience of the internet, securing flights and accommodations is just a click away.
However, planning an international journey is risky, and scams are rife.
This was the unfortunate experience of listener Daphne Jubber, who faced significant challenges while booking a hotel room in Blackpool, UK, for a special three-night getaway with her 12-year-old granddaughter, a budding dancer.
"It wasn't just any old trip, it wasn't just going to Blackpool, it was a very special girl-time with my granddaughter."
- Daphne Jubber, scam victim
Booking.com informed her that she would be charged a 'pre-payment' of nearly R6000 two days before their arrival on 15 August.
Unfortunately, in June, she inadvertently paid fraudsters three times that amount instead of the hotel.
The scam email appeared in the same thread as her legitimate Booking.com correspondence, leading her to believe it was authentic.
In a panic, fearing she'd lose her reservation, she followed the instructions in the fraudulent email and made another payment.
When she was told that her confirmation hadn't 'gone through', she repeated the process, first using her credit card and then switching to her debit card. Ultimately, her total loss amounted to around R18 000.
After realising she had been scammed, Jubber contacted the hotel, only to learn that Booking.com had allegedly been hacked.
However, when Knowler reached out to Booking.com directly, they denied any breach of their systems.
Knowler offers this crucial advice: Always exercise caution, regardless of how legitimate an email or message may seem.
If it prompts panic or urges immediate action – especially with an aggressive tone – it's likely a scam. Genuine representatives from banks or hotels are rarely emotionally invested in the process.
Luckily, Jubber got two-thirds of her money back and waiting for her debit card refund.
"Until you are that person in the depth of despair, with nowhere to turn to, and Wendy flies into your aid, then you seriously know what a gem she is."
- Daphne Jubber, scam victim
"The moral of the story is: don't click on the link, but if you do, call Wendy."
- Daphne Jubber, scam victim
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.