Booking.com Loyalty Program Scam: What It Is and How to Remove It

In recent times, an alarming new online scam has emerged, masquerading as the Booking.com Loyalty Program. It uses deceptive tactics to lure users into filling out fraudulent surveys, claiming that users have been randomly selected to win a reward. The scammers behind this fraud seek to gather sensitive personal information, including credit card details, email addresses, and passwords. In this article, we will explain what the Booking.com Loyalty Program Scam is, how it works, how to remove it, and ways to prevent it from occurring again. We will also provide a comprehensive guide to removing the scam with SpyHunter, a trusted anti-malware tool.

What Is the Booking.com Loyalty Program Scam?

The Booking.com Loyalty Program Scam is a fraudulent online scam that tricks users into believing they have been selected to participate in a special loyalty program from Booking.com. Once victims land on a fake web page promoting the scam, they are prompted to complete a survey in exchange for rewards, such as discounts or free stays. However, instead of receiving rewards, users are asked to provide a wealth of personal details, including:

• Full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Home address
• Credit card details

Once users submit their information, the scammer may use it for identity theft or other malicious purposes. Moreover, after the fake survey is completed, users are often shown a “Congratulations, you won!” message, encouraging them to enter even more sensitive information, such as passwords.

Booking.com Loyalty Program Scam Summary

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Adware/Survey Scam
Short Description	Promotes fake surveys to steal personal information.
Symptoms of Infection	Pop-ups, browser redirects, and fake Booking.com pages.
Detection Names	Malicious Adware, Survey Scam
Damage	Identity theft, privacy invasion, credit card theft.
Distribution Methods	Bundled downloads, scam websites, and fake ads.
Danger Level	Moderate (potential for serious data theft).

How Does the Booking.com Loyalty Program Scam Work?

The Booking.com Loyalty Program Scam typically operates as follows:

1. Infected Software: The scam is often introduced by adware or bundled software that the user may have unknowingly downloaded from a third-party website or file-sharing service.
2. Fake Landing Page: Once the adware is installed, it triggers pop-ups or redirects to a fake Booking.com loyalty program page. These pages often contain countdown timers, creating a sense of urgency and pressuring users into completing a survey quickly.
3. Deceptive Survey: The survey presented on the fake page asks for personal information like name, address, email, phone number, and even credit card details. The scammers use this data for malicious purposes such as identity theft.
4. Further Requests for Information: After completing the survey, the victim may be presented with a “Congratulations, you won!” message that encourages them to provide more sensitive information, including account passwords.
5. Malicious Ads: In addition to the scam, victims might encounter additional adware or malware, leading to even more pop-ups, redirects, and potential exposure to dangerous websites.

Removing the Booking.com Loyalty Program Scam

If you have encountered the Booking.com Loyalty Program Scam, it is essential to remove the adware responsible for the fraudulent pages. Below is a step-by-step guide for removing this scam using SpyHunter.

Step 1: Install SpyHunter

1. Download SpyHunter.
2. Run the Installer: After downloading, double-click the file to install SpyHunter. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Step 2: Scan Your System for Malware

1. Launch SpyHunter: Open SpyHunter once it is installed.
2. Start a Full System Scan: From the SpyHunter dashboard, select the option to perform a full system scan. This will allow the software to search for any malicious programs or files that may have caused the Booking.com scam to appear on your system.

Step 3: Remove Detected Threats

1. Review the Scan Results: Once the scan is complete, SpyHunter will provide a list of detected threats, including the Booking.com Loyalty Program scam and any associated adware.
2. Remove All Threats: Select the threats to be removed, and click the "Remove" button to delete them from your system. This will eliminate the source of the pop-ups and prevent the scam from appearing again.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

1. Restart Your Device: After SpyHunter has removed the threats, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
2. Confirm Removal: Once your system restarts, check to see if the Booking.com Loyalty Program scam still appears. If it does, perform another scan to ensure thorough removal.

Step 5: Prevent Future Infections

To ensure your system stays safe from similar scams, follow these preventive measures:

1. Install a Reliable Anti-Malware Tool: Keep SpyHunter or another reputable anti-malware program running on your device to detect and block potential threats.
2. Avoid Downloading Suspicious Software: Only download software from trusted sources like official websites and app stores.
3. Be Cautious with Pop-ups: Never click on pop-up ads or links that seem too good to be true, especially if they ask for personal information.
4. Regularly Update Your Software: Make sure your operating system, browser, and applications are always updated with the latest security patches.
5. Enable Browser Protection: Use a browser extension or security feature that can block potentially dangerous sites and pop-ups.

Conclusion

The Booking.com Loyalty Program Scam is a deceptive adware campaign designed to steal your personal information through fake surveys. It may appear as a legitimate promotion, but it is nothing more than a scam. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively remove the scam and safeguard your system against future threats. Use SpyHunter for a thorough malware scan and follow preventive measures to keep your information safe.