For the drama:
For tips:
- Tips on preventing this type of scheming and how to deal with the scam if you are a victim of it (Page 2)
We do not live in an ideal world, and no matter how much we do our best to prevent uncertainty regarding our trip, there are still factors that are not dependent on us.
I had a recent scamming experience, and I was not aware of the phenomenon at that time. After analyzing the situation, I realized that even though I was not to blame, there were still certain steps I could have taken to prevent it or minimize the damage.
Some private hosts book through multiple platforms in the same period, so they can choose the best price that suits them
I booked an apartment 6 months in advance for my trip to Timisoara during New Year’s Eve, first of all because I like to plan in advance due to work, but also because booking in advance usually grants the best prices on tickets and accommodations. Booking.com charged me the amount in December (as I have chosen the free cancellation option until December) and the request was completed successfully. Everything seemed ok to me.
I arrived in Timisoara and tried to contact the owner before my flight for details regarding check-in. I was relieved that he picked up my call after several attempts, but when I told him that I had arrived and I was near his property for check-in, he answered with a peculiar question: “Wait, what property??”
It was pretty obvious from the tone of his voice that he was trying hard to pretend that he didn’t know about my rental.
He asked me to cancel the booking and told me that he would refund the amount
My little scammer played a bit of the victim and also the good samaritan. How thoughtful of him, to tell me that he understands my situation and feels bad about it…but of course, poor thing could not do much, the apartment was already rented by someone else through Airbnb. Rest assured, though, I just had to cancel, and he will instantly refund me!
Obviously, he did not want to get in trouble with Booking.com for his trick. I told him that I was not going to press the cancel button and that I would contact Booking.
Customer support tried hard to get rid of me
Things spiraled down, Booking called me and offered an alternative at the same price. I refused them, the property was not on the same level as the one that I had booked:
- I booked in the center of Timisoara, and they offered me something far, far away in a distant galaxy.
- I booked an apartment with a terrace, and they offered me a room that didn’t even have a balcony.
- They justified the value because it had the same price, but it’s one thing to book something 6 months in advance and another to book on the spot, especially on New Year’s Eve.
I explained all the points above and asked kindly if they could offer me an actual alternative. They didn’t answer, so I had to embark on my own journey of finding another property.
Booking did not have any intention of compensating for all the mess
They refunded me, but only after I insisted did they decide to offer me a voucher to cover the difference. It was a weird amount (124.37 lei or something like that) and I have asked them how did they came to this unique amount. Why not 123.14? Of course, I did not get an answer, not even today.
Page 2: Tips on preventing this type of scheme and how to deal with the scam if you are a victim of it
Dracula's Guide to Romania 
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