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Risk: Elevated

Fake websites: Criminals copy the online presence of real hotels

Category: Consumer warnings · Published: 18/09/2026 · Last updated: 19/09/2026

Summary

What is this about? Current fraud case, reported by Watchlist Internet. For details, see the linked source.
Who is affected? Consumers in Germany.
How high is the risk? Elevated

Why is this warning issued?

This warning was included because it is based on a report from Watchlist Internet. It is intended to protect other users from this scam. The assessed risk is elevated.

How the scam works

  • Criminals copy the web presence of a real hotel – photos, texts, imprint, and even the phone number.
  • They register a new domain with a similar name (e.g., babymio-tirol.com, dresdnerhuette.de, landhotel-wachau.de, hotel-seetal.de, or Salzburgerhof-dienten.com).
  • Vacationers find the site – often via search engines – and want to request a room.
  • Instead of a booking, only a contact form is available, asking for arrival/departure date, first and last name, email, and phone number.
  • The criminals save the entered data.
  • The data is then presumably used for other scams – not necessarily related to the hotel.

How to recognise it

  • The domain was only recently registered (in the specific case, entire groups on 11 August 2026 or 10 September 2026), while the real hotel has had its website for a long time.
  • On the fake site, you cannot book anything directly, but can only submit a request via a form.
  • The imprint looks correct at first glance – this is exactly what makes the trap so dangerous, because initial research shows no contradiction.
  • Compared to the original, the site appears soulless and "cobbled together from a template" – anyone who sees both sites side by side immediately notices the difference.
  • Texts on the fake sites break off mid-sentence.
  • Fake domains resemble the real hotel name but are not identical.
  • Winning without participation or a "free" offer with a request for data
  • Advance payment demanded for "fees/taxes"

How to protect yourself

  • If you have entered data: stay vigilant – you will most likely be contacted, including on completely unrelated topics.
  • Check every unexpected message carefully before clicking, replying, or sharing data.
  • If you have transferred money: contact your bank immediately and ask about a chargeback.
  • File a report with the police if you have shared data or made payments.
  • Secure all evidence (screenshots, emails, chat histories) before deleting anything.
  • Contact your consumer advice center for an initial assessment.

What you should never do

  • Do not respond unverified to links or attachments in emails, SMS, or messenger messages that arrive after you entered your data.
  • Do not send copies of your ID, account, or card details to unknown parties upon request.
  • Do not simply pay "reservation fees" or deposits that are allegedly due because of your request.
  • Do not delete evidence such as screenshots or messages that you still need.
  • Do not share further personal data over the phone just because your name and data seem familiar.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay if my request is "accepted"?

No money is requested on the fake sites reported here – direct online bookings are not even possible. If a payment request arrives later that has nothing to do with the hotel: do not pay, secure evidence, and inform the bank or police.

What happens if I have already entered my data?

Stay vigilant. The criminals will most likely try to contact you – the scam may then involve a different topic, such as alleged winnings, parcel services, or supposed bank employees.

How do the criminals even know that I wanted to go to this hotel?

They do not need to know: they lure people in via hotel searches on the internet. Anyone looking for a specific hotel will more easily land on the fake site. So you were not personally spied on.

How do I recognize the real hotel's website?

Check the age of the domain – the real site has usually existed for many years. Compared to the original, the fake sites appear soulless and "cobbled together from a template". If texts break off mid-sentence, that is another warning sign.

Should I file a report even if "only" my data has been leaked?

Yes, especially if you have shared data or made payments. The police can combine clues, and you will have proof later. You can also get advice from your consumer advice center.

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Original source

Find more information in the original source.

Watchlist Internet ↗

Update history

  • 19/09/2026Description updated
  • 18/09/2026Warning added from an official source