Booking.com data breach sparks travel scams via WhatsApp

Booking.com announced that an unauthorized access incident exposed personal information of some customers, including names, email addresses, phone numbers and reservation details. The company urged users to review their accounts, change passwords, enable two‑factor authentication and watch for suspicious messages.

Scammers have taken advantage of the leaked data, contacting travelers on WhatsApp with fake “cancellation” offers that aim to extract money. Authorities warned tourists to be vigilant against these phishing attempts, especially during holiday periods.

The breach does not affect all users equally, but it has raised concerns about privacy and potential fraud in the travel sector.