EU probes Booking.com’s safeguards against accommodation fraud and scams

The European Commission has opened an investigation into Booking.com over whether it has done enough to protect users from fake accommodation listings, phishing and payment scams. Regulators suspect the company may have breached the EU’s Digital Services Act, which requires platforms to assess risks and take steps to prevent fraud; the inquiry does not determine in advance whether it broke the rules.

Officials will also examine whether Booking.com clearly identifies accommodation providers that pay to appear more prominently. The Dutch consumer association Consumentenbond recorded 200 reports involving €65,000 in losses in 2025, compared with 89 reports worth €25,000 the year before. Booking.com says security and fraud prevention are priorities and that it is working with regulators; a DSA breach could lead to a fine of up to 6% of worldwide annual turnover.