Trading Standards are warning internet users of spam e-mails claiming to contain confirmation of hotel reservations made at Booking.com. The email informs recipients that room reservations have been made for a specified date. The text in the email attempts to convince the recipient to open the attachment and view the full details of the supposed reservation. However, the attachment contains malware (malicious software) which is designed to infect your computer and gain access to sensitive information and passwords.
The scammers are taking advantage of people making hotel and holiday reservations during the busy summer months. Versions of the malware emails have been distributed since late May 2012 and look set to continue. If you receive one of these fake hotel booking messages, do not open any attachments or click on any links that it may contain. If you receive an email from an unknown source or company do not open the attachment.
This type of scam can be reported to Action Fraud on 03001232040, www.actionfraud.org.uk/report
For general consumer advice please contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454040506 or at www.adviceguide.org.uk
Message sent by
Margaret Hodgson (Cumbria County Council, Administrator, Cumbria)
News and information for Natland residents and visitors