The restaurant industry is currently facing a new scam that targets individuals who make online reservations. Hackers are focusing on exploiting OpenTable, a widely used service that connects to approximately 60,000 restaurants worldwide. These scammers are using OpenTable to illegally gather information from users of the platform.
OpenTable is an online reservation service that allows users to search for and book reservations at various restaurants without having to make a phone call. Users can adjust the date, time, number of people, and other specific filters for their reservation. The service is accessible through the OpenTable website and mobile app, available on iOS and Android devices. Users can explore restaurants, view menus, read reviews, and make reservations directly through the platform. The OpenTable app has a rating of 3.8 stars on iPhone and 4.7 stars on Android.
When making a reservation on OpenTable, users are asked to provide personal information such as their name, email address, and phone number. This information is collected for the purpose of contacting users in case of any changes to their reservation. Generally, the restaurant does not request credit card details to finalize the reservation. However, scammers take advantage of this by posing as restaurant representatives and requesting credit card information to secure the reservation.
The OpenTable scam works by scammers calling individuals and pretending to be from the restaurant where a reservation has been made. They “confirm” the details and then ask for credit card information to guarantee the reservation spot. Once they have the card details, they call again, pretending to be from the victim’s bank. They claim that there has been “unusual activity” on their credit card and convince the victim to authorize a purchase through the bank’s mobile app. Many victims fall for this and unknowingly provide full access to their card to the scammers.
The scammers acquire users’ information through various means. Some of it originates from a data breach that affected OpenTable and other reservation websites. Scammers gain access to names, emails, and phone numbers, enabling them to call and deceive individuals. Additionally, scammers contact restaurants, pretending to work for OpenTable, and request login credentials. They use these credentials to access restaurant accounts and call customers with reservations, pretending to be from the restaurant. They ask for credit card details to process or refund a booking deposit and then utilize the data for unauthorized transactions.
To avoid falling victim to this scam, there are several precautions to take. If someone claiming to be from the restaurant or bank calls and asks for credit card information, it’s advisable to hang up and dial the official phone number of the restaurant to verify the call’s legitimacy. It’s crucial to closely monitor bank accounts and credit card statements for any suspicious activity. If unauthorized transactions occur, contacting the bank or credit card company immediately is necessary to rectify the situation. OpenTable has alerted its users about these scams and advises reporting any suspicious phone calls to [email protected].
In response to the data breach, it’s recommended to utilize identity theft protection services. These services monitor personal information, such as home title, Social Security Number, phone number, and email address, and alert users if their information appears on the dark web or is used to open fraudulent accounts. Identity theft protection services can also assist with freezing bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use. Certain services may even offer identity theft insurance and a fraud resolution team to aid in recovery.
As online reservation services become increasingly popular, it’s crucial for users to be cautious and alert to protect themselves from scams. Maintaining a vigilant mindset throughout the process is essential, regardless of how straightforward it may seem. The restaurant industry and reservation websites should consider enhancing their security measures to prevent such scams in the future. To share thoughts or opinions on reservation websites’ security and the use of third-party platforms by restaurants, contact CyberGuy.com.
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