Scammers Exploit Booking.com’s Name to Target Cryptocurrency Users in 2025
- How the Booking.com Crypto Scam Unfolds
- Why Crypto Payments Are the Perfect Trap
- Spotting the Red Flags
- The Aftermath: Where the Stolen Crypto Goes
- FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
In a bold new scam sweeping the crypto space, fraudsters are impersonating Booking.com to trick users into sending cryptocurrency payments. The scheme, which surged in October 2025, leverages fake hotel reservations and urgent payment demands. Here’s how the scam works, red flags to watch for, and why even seasoned investors are falling victim. (Spoiler: That "too-good-to-be-true" Bali villa might just empty your wallet.)
How the Booking.com Crypto Scam Unfolds
Imagine booking a luxury hotel through what looks like Booking.com’s official site. You get a confirmation email (complete with legit-looking logos) stating you must pay in crypto within 24 hours to "secure your reservation." The twist? That email came from scammers who cloned the platform’s branding. According to CoinMarketCap data, over $2.3 million in crypto was lost to this scheme in October alone.
Why Crypto Payments Are the Perfect Trap
Unlike credit card charges, cryptocurrency transactions can’t be reversed. Once you send USDT or bitcoin to the scammer’s wallet, it’s game over. The BTCC research team notes these criminals often use time-sensitive language like "Only 1 room left!" to pressure victims—a tactic straight from the playbook of 2024’s Airbnb crypto scams.
Spotting the Red Flags
•Check URLs carefully—scammers use domains like "Booking-Hotels.com"
•Booking.com doesn’t require crypto for standard reservations
•Many fake emails contain minor errors like "Kindly make payment immediate"
The Aftermath: Where the Stolen Crypto Goes
Chainalysis reports show stolen funds typically get funneled through mixers like Tornado Cash before being converted to Monero. One victim shared with us: "I lost 1.5 ETH thinking I was prepaying for a Tokyo ryokan. The ‘support agent’ even sent me a contract address with Booking.com in the memo field!"
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
How widespread is this scam?
As of November 2025, reports span 17 countries, with hotspots in Southeast Asia and Europe where crypto adoption is high.
What should I do if I’ve been scammed?
File reports with both local authorities and the platform being impersonated—though crypto recovery chances are slim.
Are platforms like Booking.com doing anything?
Yes, Booking.com has added wallet address blacklisting and now displays crypto payment warnings on their official app.
