EU Investigates Booking.com Over Fraudulent Listings and Scams

WHO:

Techmeme - The European Commission and EU tech regulators are investigating Booking.com, an online hotel reservation website owned by Booking Holdings.

IJR - The EU is investigating Booking.com.

WHAT:

Techmeme - The European Commission launched a probe under the Digital Services Act (DSA) into whether Booking.com is doing enough to combat fraudulent listings and phishing.

IJR - The EU opened a formal DSA probe into Booking.com over fake listings and scams.

IJR - Fines under the DSA can reach 6% of global turnover.

WHERE:

Techmeme - The investigation is being conducted by EU regulators.

WHY:

Techmeme - Regulators are examining whether Booking.com does enough to remove fraudulent listings and address phishing.

IJR - The probe followed Dutch data showing a tenfold increase in fraud cases.

HOW:

Techmeme - The Commission is investigating Booking.com under the DSA.

IJR - Dutch data on fraud cases was cited in connection with the probe.

(UPDATED October 21, 2026 13:15 UTC)

The European Commission has opened a formal investigation into Booking.com under the Digital Services Act. Regulators are examining whether the hotel-booking site does enough to remove fake listings and tackle phishing and other scams, following Dutch data showing a tenfold rise in fraud cases. If Booking.com is found in violation, fines under the law can reach 6% of its global turnover.