Fake Booking Sites
Bogus flight, hotel and package sites that take payment for reservations that don't exist.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
A fake booking site impersonates a travel agency, airline or hotel platform. It takes payment for flights, rooms or packages that were never booked, leaving travellers stranded or out of pocket.
How it works
You find a great deal via search or social ads. The site looks professional and may quote real flight numbers or hotels. After payment, you receive a fake confirmation — or nothing — and the booking doesn't exist with the actual provider.
Common red flags
- Prices well below every other site
- Pressure to pay by bank transfer
- No booking reference you can verify with the airline/hotel directly
- Brand-new or slightly misspelled domain
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
Exclusive deal: [destination] flights 60% off. Book now by transfer — only 2 seats left!
Payment methods used
- Bank transfer
- Card
- Crypto
Who is usually targeted
- Holiday bookers
- Bargain seekers
- Last-minute travellers
What to do immediately
- Verify the booking directly with the airline/hotel using its official site
- Contact your bank/card provider if you paid
- Report the fake site to authorities and the real brand
Evidence to preserve
- Booking confirmation and site URL
- Payment records
- All correspondence
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
- Your bank's fraud line — Use the number on the back of your card or in your banking app — never a number the caller gives you
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
How do I confirm a travel booking is real?
Use the airline or hotel's official website or app and your booking reference to confirm the reservation directly. Don't rely on a confirmation email from the site that took your money.