The Cyprus Consumers Association has issued a warning regarding a rise in hotel booking scams that are targeting unsuspecting customers. Within just four days, 15 individuals reported being deceived by scammers using a popular hotel booking platform.
These fraudulent messages mimic the official communication style of the booking site, complete with its logo, email address, and specific details related to customers’ reservations. Scammers often request an additional payment of approximately €100 to ‘confirm’ a booking.
Virginia Christou, the association’s legal officer, stated, “In several cases, consumers followed the procedure, resulting in them being charged a significant portion of their total stay costs. The money was diverted to scammers instead of the legitimate booking site.” This alarming trend highlights the importance of vigilance among consumers.
The association noted that major booking platforms typically do not require any extra payments via email and do not make abrupt changes to their payment procedures. The rise in complaints coincides with the beginning of the summer holiday season, as travellers start looking for vacation packages.
Some of the reported issues involve trips that were either completely cancelled or only partially fulfilled, leading to frustration among affected consumers. Christou emphasised the need for consumers to be aware of their rights, stating that they should pursue compensation if violations are identified. She urged travellers to seek refunds if aspects of their trip, such as scheduled excursions, were not provided despite having paid for the full package.
As the holiday season approaches, it is crucial for consumers to remain cautious when booking their accommodations online. The association encourages everyone to verify the legitimacy of any communication and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
