Cost of Living

European Commission investigates Booking platform over suspected scams and fraud

The European Commission opened a formal procedure against Booking.com on Wednesday 21 October 2026 under the Digital Services Act to investigate non-existent accommodation listings, phishing schemes, and a failure to clearly label paid-promoted search results as advertising. Brussels is also examining how booking and guest data is shared and handled through the platform's messaging service.

Why it matters

If you use Booking.com for travel or accommodation in Portugal, the European Commission is investigating the platform over fraudulent listings, phishing risks, and hidden advertising transparency.

Correio da Manhã· 2w agoRead original ↗

Useful?

This update is from Bica

Your quick shot of what's changing in Portugal and affecting your status, your home, your money, and whatever might disrupt your day. Short and clear updates, gathered from Portuguese sources.

It's free, with no signup and no app to download.

Read today’s briefing

Related updates

Cost of Living

European Commission investigates Booking platform over suspected scams and fraud

The European Commission launched a formal investigation into Booking.com on Wednesday 21 October to examine potential failures in tackling fraudulent listings, phishing messages, and non-transparent paid search advertising under the Digital Services Act. Brussels is probing fake accommodation offers, identity theft, and data-sharing risks that could harm consumers, with no fixed deadline for the inquiry's conclusion.

Observador· 2w agoRead original ↗

Useful?

Cost of Living

European Commission warns that energy price crisis may worsen with the arrival of winter

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that energy costs may rise further this winter, urging EU member states to combine immediate support for vulnerable families and industries with structural efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependency. While no immediate supply shortage is expected for the coming winter, the Commission noted that gas prices have risen 140% and diesel prices have doubled since late February due to market volatility.

Correio da Manhã· 1mo agoRead original ↗

Useful?

Cost of Living

Council of the European Union allows VAT platform to be used for all online sales to the EU

The Council of the EU has agreed to allow online marketplaces to use the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) for all sales to EU consumers, regardless of the order value. Starting 1 July 2028, non-EU platforms will be responsible for collecting and including all VAT and customs duties in the final price paid by the consumer at checkout.

Correio da Manhã· 1d agoRead original ↗

Useful?

Practical alerts

See all →

Media-reported alerts

Government requests telework and Luís Neves declares that parents have every right to stay home with minors, what is provided by law · Observador · 5h ago
Following government recommendation, Paddy Cosgrave suspends Web Summit on Wednesday · Correio da Manhã · 8h ago
⛈️
Schools, courts, and public services to close and transport suspended as country braces for Storm Charles · Expresso · 9h ago
+1 more report
- Storm Charles: Merchants prepare for flooding · RTP
River transport between Lisbon and the South Bank guaranteed for Wednesday morning · Correio da Manhã · 9h ago

Live official alerts

Red and orange rain warnings, Tuesday to Wednesday
red warningIPMA· 22 districts· until Wed 21:00
Red, orange and yellow wind warnings, Tuesday to Wednesday
red warningIPMA· 17 districts· until Wed 21:00

See all live official alerts

About Bica

Your quick shot of what's changing in Portugal and affecting your status, your home, your money, and whatever might disrupt your day. Short and clear updates, gathered from Portuguese sources.

It's free, with no signup and no app to download.

More about Bica →

Feedback and corrections are welcome: hello@bica.now