🕵️♂️ The Hidden Risks of Quote-Hunting
- MovingHelpCenter.com
- Sep 11
- 3 min read
What Booking.com Scams Teach Us About Moving Fraud
Whether you're booking a hotel or hiring movers, quote-hunting can expose you to more than just competitive pricing—it can open the door to sophisticated scams. This guide reveals how phishing tactics used in the travel industry are now showing up in the moving world, and how to protect yourself and your clients.
🏨 Booking.com: A Case Study in Phishing Scams
Booking.com has faced a surge in phishing attacks where scammers impersonate hotels and send fake payment requests to guests. These messages often:
Come from hijacked hotel accounts
Use Booking.com’s own messaging system
Include urgent language like “Your booking will be canceled!”
Link to realistic but fraudulent payment pages
📉 Losses have reached over $337,000 in a single year, with a 580% increase in scam reports.
🚚 Movers Are the Next Target
Now imagine you're moving. You're requesting quotes from multiple companies—via Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, Yelp, and local directories. Suddenly, your inbox is flooded with offers. Some are real. Some are traps.
🎯 Scammers know you're vulnerable, rushed, and eager to save.
🧨 Common Moving Scam Tactics
Fake companies with professional-looking websites
Lowball quotes followed by inflated fees after pickup
Hostage loads—your belongings held until you pay more
Phishing messages asking for deposits via sketchy links
Hijacked chats on quote platforms or social media
📬 What Phishing Looks Like During Quote-Hunting
“Hi! We reviewed your moving request. We can offer a 40% discount if you pay today. Click here to confirm.”
“Your quote is ready! Please verify your address and payment info at [some-website.com].”
These messages may come via:
Email
SMS or WhatsApp
Facebook Messenger
In-app chat on quote platforms
💸 Payment Safety: What NOT to Do
🚫 Avoid sending money through cash apps like Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App—especially to individuals or unverified businesses. These platforms offer little to no buyer protection, and scammers often use them because they’re fast and irreversible.
✅ Use established platforms like PayPal or credit cards when possible. These offer:
Dispute resolution
Fraud protection
Verified business accounts
A digital trail that confirms the recipient’s identity
If a mover insists on payment through a personal cash app or won’t provide a formal invoice, that’s a red flag.
🧠 How to Protect Yourself (and Your Clients)
✅ Verify credentials
Look for USDOT numbers (U.S.) or local registration
Check reviews and complaints
📝 Get written estimates
Avoid movers who won’t inspect your items or offer inventory quotes
🚫 Never pay via link or cash upfront
Legitimate movers use secure platforms and contracts
🔐 Use trusted platforms
Stick to verified apps or websites with fraud protection
📞 Call to confirm
Use verified contact info—not what’s in the message
💬 Final Word: Quote-Hunting Shouldn’t Feel Like Dodging Bullets
Scammers thrive on urgency and confusion. Whether you're booking a hotel or hiring movers, slow down, verify, and protect your peace of mind. Your dignity—and your belongings—deserve better.
📚 Sources & Further Reading
ESET Security Report: Common Booking.com Scams – Details the rise in phishing attacks, hijacked hotel accounts, and misuse of generative AI
Booking.com Partner Security Guide – Official guidance on phishing, spoofing, and how Booking.com protects its partners
TripAdvisor Forum: Booking.com Scam Alerts – Community reports and warnings about fraudulent hotel messages
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