Stories from Amsterdam · Netherlands

Travelers using Booking.com have reported being targeted by scammers who manipulate payment expectations during the booking process. Fraudsters reportedly use WhatsApp to move conversations off-platform, leading users to make unauthorized payments under the guise of paying at the hotel. Booking.com stated that while online fraud is a widespread industry challenge, their own systems have not been breached. Hackers obtained login credentials for a hotel portal to send fraudulent communications to clients. The attackers use the portal access to send emails via booking.com requesting additional payments or claiming price increases. The scheme also involves sending fraudulent text messages to the hotel's client base.

Carbon dioxide emissions from Dutch companies have seen a significant increase due to rising power exports to neighboring countries. The trend underscores the tension between energy trade and national climate goals. Large companies under the European emission trading system emitted 72 megatons of CO2 according to the Dutch emissions authority annual report. The increase was primarily driven by electricity plants operating at higher capacities. This data was released in the latest annual report from the Dutch emissions authority. Large companies subject to the European Union Emissions Trading System accounted for 72 megatons of CO2. This increase was reported in relation to sustainability goals for 2030. The data reflects current industrial and corporate emission trends within the country. The report notes impact from wildfires in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Germany.