R3 Xmas party - Booking.com whatsapp scam

[Davidbf1.com]

I’m aware that this is teaching granny to suck eggs, but nevertheless Just wanted to remind R3 members that have booked their accommodation through booking.com, to remain vigilant - there is a scam doing to rounds via various methods - text, whatsapp, in-app messaging etc.

I received a whatsapp message yesterday purporting to be from an organisation working with BWH Hotel Group - first suspicion, so not BWH themselves then - stating the reservation is unconfirmed and if not confirmed within 24 hours - using a link they handily provide!, then the reservation will be cancelled.
Interestingly, the amount to verify (for my own amusement I followed it via a safe, sandboxed-route) is in Euro’s for the amount of my accommodation for Monaco Historique in April….., although the booking reference quoted in the message is for Walworth, in January…

Booking.com will NEVER ask for this, and would not send any communication other than through their apps’ messaging.
A quick call to the hotel confirmed our booking IS confirmed as expected, and thus this is definitely a scam.

David

 

[JimEdwards]

Thanks for this David, there's always someone trying to scam you out of your hard earnt.

 

[Davidbf1.com]

Thanks for this David, there's always someone trying to scam you out of your hard earnt.

Yep, and usually it’s Porsche dealerships

No problem Jim, I know most people are wise to these sorts of things, but the scammers are constantly coming-up with new methods, and it’s SO easy to busily scan a message that sort of looks legit, you spot SOME of the correct details - date, location/venue, booking reference number and start to think it’s all kosher….

I’d rather risk my R3 friends thinking I’m preaching what they already know, than anyone be caught-out and lose money.

 

[JimEdwards]

 

[jamie60]

Also Ramside Hall Hotel have experienced a hoax email going around. We have a January booking there and I received a scam email from a source very well disguised but not from Ramside Hall. I phoned them to ask for some details and they were aware of the scam.

 

[tjb]

I thought that the bookings should be made through the hotel direct as they were offering a special price for the Porsche party?

 

[Billybod]

If the hotel were already aware of a potential scam of their future guests, wouldn’t you have thought it nice of them to advise their known clients?
Regards
Bill