Travelers booking hostels in Amsterdam are receiving sophisticated phishing emails requesting additional payments - even after they've already paid in full.
A solo traveler planning their first international trip shared a warning on r/solotravel after receiving a convincing email from what appeared to be a hostel booking agency. The email claimed they needed to pay to reserve their space, with a note saying this was standard procedure "for all international travellers."
Instead of clicking the payment link, the traveler forwarded the email to their hostel. The hostel confirmed it was fake and revealed there's currently a "digital security issue" with scam emails and messages requesting extra payments.
What makes this scam particularly effective is its timing and presentation. It arrives after you've booked, when you're mentally preparing for the trip and might second-guess whether you completed payment correctly. The professional formatting and plausible excuse ("international traveller requirements") add legitimacy.
The hostel confirmed this is a widespread issue, though it's unclear whether the scam is specific to Amsterdam or affecting travelers booking hostels in other cities.
How to protect yourself:
Never click payment links in emails. If you receive a request for additional payment, go directly to the booking platform or hostel's official website and check your reservation status there. Forward suspicious emails to the property before taking any action. Legitimate hostels won't ask for additional payment via random emails - they'll contact you through the official booking platform.
Budget travelers who rely on hostels are particularly vulnerable to these scams, as they often book through third-party platforms and may be less familiar with standard procedures. If you're new to hostel travel, remember: once you've paid through a legitimate booking platform, you shouldn't need to pay again via email.
As travel season approaches, stay alert. Scammers know travelers are excited and sometimes careless when trip dates approach. When in doubt, verify directly with the property before clicking anything.
