The Booking.com Loyalty Program Scam is a deceptive web page designed to trick users into divulging personal information by completing fraudulent surveys. These scams promise enticing rewards, such as vouchers or discounts, in exchange for sensitive details, including names, email addresses, credit card information, and passwords. While the page may appear legitimate, it is entirely fake and a security risk to anyone who encounters it.
Booking.com Loyalty Program Scam Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Threat Type | Adware/Survey Scam |
| Symptoms | Pop-ups and redirects to fake web pages claiming you are a “loyalty winner.” |
| Damage | Data theft, unauthorized transactions, exposure to additional threats. |
| Distribution Methods | Bundled software, malicious websites, phishing emails. |
| Associated Emails | Not applicable, as this is not ransomware. |
| Detection Names | Varies by anti-malware tool (e.g., “Adware.Generic,” “SurveyScam.Popup”). |
| Danger Level | Moderate to High, depending on the data stolen. |
What Does the Booking.com Loyalty Program Scam Do?
The scam presents itself as a legitimate loyalty program from Booking.com. Victims are often informed they have been “randomly selected” to win a prize after completing a quick survey. This tactic manipulates urgency and curiosity, leading victims to provide sensitive information.
Typical Actions by the Scam
- Pop-ups and Redirects: You may encounter random browser pop-ups or redirects to pages resembling official Booking.com content.
- Fake Surveys: The scam asks for information such as:
- Name and contact details.
- Home address.
- Payment card details.
- Pressure with Countdown Timers: Victims are often coerced into acting quickly by on-screen timers, creating a false sense of urgency.
- Message of Reward: Upon completing the survey, users are congratulated with a fake reward message, prompting them to provide additional details.
- Consequences:
- Data theft for identity fraud or financial crimes.
- Exposure to other malicious websites and malware.
- Increased frequency of pop-ups, redirects, and phishing attempts.
How Is It Distributed?
This scam spreads through various channels, including:
- Bundled Downloads: Free software installers from unverified sources may include adware responsible for the scam.
- Malicious Websites: Clicking on suspicious ads or links can lead to the scam page.
- Phishing Emails: Emails containing malicious links disguised as Booking.com promotions.
- Infected Systems: Pre-existing adware on a device can display the scam as part of its behavior.
Removal Guide
Manual Removal Steps
- Uninstall Suspicious Programs (Windows):
- Open Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program.
- Look for unfamiliar programs and uninstall them.
- Remove Browser Extensions:
- Google Chrome: Go to
chrome://extensions/and remove unknown extensions. - Mozilla Firefox: Navigate to
about:addonsand disable/remove suspicious add-ons. - Microsoft Edge: Open Extensions in the settings menu and remove untrusted items.
- Google Chrome: Go to
- Clear Browser Cache and Data: Clear all cookies, cached files, and browsing history.
- Check and Remove Scheduled Tasks (Windows): Open Task Scheduler and delete suspicious tasks.
Automatic Removal Using SpyHunter
SpyHunter is a trusted anti-malware tool that can quickly identify and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs causing the Booking.com Loyalty Program Scam.
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- Download and Install SpyHunter:
- Run a Full System Scan: Launch SpyHunter and perform a full scan of your computer.
- Remove Detected Threats: Review the scan results, select all identified threats, and click Remove.
- Reboot Your System: Restart your computer to ensure all malicious components are eliminated.
Preventive Measures
To avoid encountering scams like the Booking.com Loyalty Program Scam in the future, enforce the following security practices:
- Download Software from Trusted Sources Only: Avoid downloading apps or software from unverified websites.
- Use a Reliable Anti-Malware Program: Tools like SpyHunter can provide real-time protection against adware and malicious redirects.
- Be Cautious with Emails: Do not click on links or download attachments from unsolicited emails.
- Enable Pop-Up Blockers: Most browsers have built-in options to block pop-ups and redirects.
- Regularly Update Software: Keep your operating system, browsers, and security software up to date.
- Monitor Permissions: Before installing any app, review its permissions carefully.
- Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with common online scams to recognize and avoid them.
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By following the steps and recommendations outlined in this guide, you can effectively remove the Booking.com Loyalty Program Scam and safeguard your system from future threats.
