Warning: Scam listing on Booking.com (Rome, near Colosseum) – my experience
I want to share my experience to warn others about a recent situation I had with a listing on Booking.com.
I booked an apartment in Rome (near the Colosseum) for May. The listing had around 96 reviews and a score of 8.8, so it seemed legitimate. After booking, the host sent me a message through Booking.com with a Google Docs link asking for personal details.
This immediately raised concerns. I did NOT fill it in and instead contacted Booking support.
After investigating, Booking confirmed that:
- The property was involved in fraudulent activity
- The listing has now been removed from the platform
- My reservation was cancelled
I also discovered that the photos used in the listing were taken from a completely different property in another city.
Fortunately:
- I was not charged
- I blocked my card in time
However:
- I had already purchased flights for 4 people based on this booking
- Prices for similar accommodations are now significantly higher (2-3x the initial price)
- Booking.com declined to offer ANY compensation or assistance with rebooking
I understand policies may vary, but I think it's important for others to be aware that:
Scam listings can still appear even with reviews
Never follow external links sent by hosts
Even confirmed bookings may be cancelled without support in such cases
I’d recommend double-checking listings carefully, especially if the price seems too good to be true.
Has anyone else experienced something similar?