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Watchdog Set up Downing Street Listing on Booking.com to Expose Security Gaps
Which? said the platform missed obvious fraud checks and kept the bogus listing live for more than six weeks, despite processing a real payment.
- On August 27, consumer watchdog Which? revealed it successfully created a fake listing for 10 Downing Street on Booking.com, uncovering "systemic security failures" after the platform accepted payment for the bogus property.
- Researchers set up the listing in minutes with a photo of the prime minister's home promising a "four-minute walk to the Houses of Parliament," despite Booking.com policy not requiring proof of ownership until three months after listing goes live.
- The site processed a payment for a week-long stay and posted a fake review rating the property 10/10, including a comment about "hanging out with Larry the Cat" as a highlight.
- Defending its security measures, Booking.com argued the "limited test" did not reflect actual user experiences, while the watchdog urged Ofcom to launch a compliance investigation into the platform's failures.
- With 80% of UK adults believing scams are becoming more sophisticated, Booking.com noted it removes most fraudulent listings within 24 hours, though officials stated the platform remains outside current rules on paid-for fraudulent advertising.
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Number 10 advertised as holiday let in fake listing on travel giant Booking.com
Consumer group Which? says it was able to advertise the Prime Minister's 10 Downing Street for let on Booking.com for several months - raising big concerns about the online giant's safeguards
·London, United Kingdom
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Fake 10 Downing Street listing exposes 'unfit' Booking.com, says consumer group
Consumer group Which? says it was able to create a fake listing for 10 Downing Street on travel giant Booking.com. The UK watchdog said its researchers were able to book a bogus stay at the prime minister's address - as well as leave a fake review noting "hanging out" with resident mouser Larry…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources9
Leaning Left6Leaning Right0Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Left
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources lean Left
75% Left
L 75%
C 25%
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