Public Services

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.

Why it matters

If you use Booking.com to book accommodation in Portugal, the European investigation could eventually force the platform to tighten security against scams and make paid search rankings clearer.

Observador· 2w agoRead original ↗

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Public Services

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.

Correio da Manhã· 2w agoRead original ↗

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Cost of Living

European Commission investigates Booking.com over suspected scams and fraud

The European Commission has launched an investigation into Booking.com over suspected consumer protection breaches, covering fake accommodation listings, identity theft scams, and illegal accommodation offers.

Expresso· 2w agoRead original ↗

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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 ↗

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