Booking.com faces UK probe over fake reviews amid rising scrutiny of online travel scams. Owned by US giant Booking Holdings, Amsterdam-based.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched investigations into five companies, including Just Eat, Autotrader, Feefo, Dignity, and Pasta Evangelists, over concerns they may have violated consumer laws related to online reviews. The probes follow new laws banning fake, incentivized, and hidden negative reviews, with potential fines up to 10% of global sales.
Booking.com has reported a data breach allowing unauthorized access to customer booking details. The platform is also warning users about phishing scams involving fake emails claiming to threaten iCloud storage and payment fraud. These incidents highlight ongoing cybersecurity risks for travelers and platform users.
Uber has introduced hotel bookings in its app via Expedia, with Vrbo listings to follow. The move, part of Uber’s drive to become an “everything app,” includes a travel mode and in-app shopping options. Uber One members receive discounts and credits for hotel bookings as part of the rollout.