EU opens formal probe into Booking.com over fake listings and scams

On Oct. 21, 2026, the European Commission opened a formal Digital Services Act investigation into Booking.com over whether the platform prevents fake listings and online scams. The step follows a preliminary review of risk-assessment reports from 2023 to 2026. Possible penalties reach 6% of worldwide annual turnover. Regulators will examine non-existent or non-compliant property offers, phishing that misuses reservation and guest data shared with hosts, and whether paid boosted listings are clearly marked as ads. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen said Europeans should be able to book holidays without fear of being scammed and that the leading booking platform in Europe must take DSA duties seriously. Commission officials told RTE the company’s fraud response has been absolutely substandard, that risk assessment was not sufficient, and described scams in which people pose as owners or demand extra payments after a booking. Dutch consumer figures—1,072 fraud notices and about €82,000 in losses in early 2026, a tenfold rise versus 2025—helped drive the EU-wide case; the Commission remains in contact with the Dutch regulator. Officials also cited banks’ view that 70% of scams start on internet platforms and 2024 ECB figures of €4.2 billion in online-fraud damages, rising 17% a year. Booking.com did not immediately comment. The Commission said it will send further information requests and may hold interviews or inspections; dialogue continues and no finding of breach has been made.