# European Commission Investigates Booking.com Over Scams and Ad Transparency

> The European Commission launched a formal investigation into Booking.com on October 21, 2026, citing concerns over fraudulent listings, phishing scams, and unclear advertising practices that officials called "absolutely substandard."

By PrimaryBrief newsroom · Published 2026-10-24T18:19:53.898673Z
Canonical: https://primarybrief.com/article/european-commission-investigates-booking-com-over-scams-and-ad-transparency-da8292ee

The European Commission opened a formal investigation into Booking.com on October 21, 2026, over concerns it may have failed to adequately address fraudulent listings, phishing scams, and advertising transparency, issues officials described as "absolutely substandard" [1][6][9][11][12]. The probe could lead to fines of up to 6% of the company's annual worldwide turnover if violations of the Digital Services Act (DSA) are confirmed [6][7][8].

This investigation matters to millions of travelers across the European Union who use Booking.com to find accommodation [4][9]. It shows the Commission's commitment to making Very Large Online Platforms accountable under the Digital Services Act, working to create safer online environments and transparent advertising practices for consumers [3][6][7][9].

## What the Records Show
The European Commission's formal proceedings focus on Booking.com's potential breaches of the Digital Services Act (DSA) [1][9]. Investigators will examine whether the platform properly assessed and mitigated risks associated with illegal content and deceptive practices [1][2][7]. Specific concerns include fake accommodation listings, such as non-existent properties, impersonation fraud, and offers that do not comply with EU rules [1][3][7]. The investigation also covers how Booking.com handles user data, particularly in preventing its misuse for phishing attacks and fraudulent payment requests [1][2][3][7]. European Commission Vice President Henna Virkkunen stated that "Europeans should be able to book their holidays without fear of being scammed" and that the DSA "sets clear responsibilities on platforms to address these risks" [3][9]. The Commission also scrutinizes Booking.com's advertising transparency, examining whether paid-for boosted listings are clearly labeled as advertisements, allowing users to identify who placed and paid for them [1][2][3][8][9]. An official from the Commission characterized Booking.com's approach to tackling fraudulent listings and phishing scams as "absolutely substandard," suggesting that while measures exist, they could be more robust [6][11][12].

## The Timeline
The formal investigation by the European Commission commenced on October 21, 2026 [1][9]. This action follows a preliminary inquiry that involved reviewing Booking.com's risk assessment reports from 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, as well as information from its transparency reports and responses to Commission requests in September 2025 and May 2026 [7][10]. Booking.com was officially designated as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the EU's Digital Services Act in April 2023 [1][4][7][9].

## What Changed and For Whom
The investigation tests the Digital Services Act's enforcement powers over Very Large Online Platforms like Booking.com [7][9]. If violations are confirmed, Booking.com could face significant financial penalties, potentially reaching up to 6% of its annual worldwide turnover [6][7][8]. For millions of European users, the outcome could mean a more secure booking experience with fewer fraudulent listings and clearer advertising, which could restore trust in online travel services [3][4][9].

## What Booking.com Has Said Publicly
Booking.com has publicly stated its full cooperation with the European Commission [2][4][5][7][8][10]. The company affirmed that "security, trust and the protection of personal information are top priorities" [4][5][7][10]. Booking.com also committed to continuing its collaboration with governments, regulators, law enforcement, and industry partners to combat cybercrime and online fraud, aiming to protect travelers and partners [2][4][5][7][10].

## What We Could Not Confirm
What specific enhancements to fraud detection and prevention Booking.com intends to implement.
The projected timeline for the European Commission's investigation and when a final decision is expected.
The precise nature and volume of scam reports that led to the investigation.

## Evidence cited
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