CoinGecko CEO Bobby Ong Warns of Fraudulent Emails Impersonating Booking.com

CoinGecko’s co-founder and CEO, Bobby Ong, has raised the alarm on a sophisticated phishing scheme targeting cryptocurrency enthusiasts. In a public service announcement via social media on October 27, 2025, Ong warned users about fraudulent emails purporting to be from Booking.com, promoting a non-existent "Exclusive Crypto Travel Summit" scheduled for November 2025 in Dubai.

Fake Crypto Summit Invitation Surfaces

The phishing email not only misrepresented Booking.com but also falsely claimed a collaboration with Coinbase to introduce crypto travel services. In an alarming twist for the unsuspecting recipients, the invite listed high-profile figures such as Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin and Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong as keynote speakers. To add to the scrutiny, the email contained an RSVP deadline of September 30, 2025, a date long past that only exposed the scam’s lack of attention to detail.

Bobby Ong’s tweet included the fraudulent invitation, warning anyone who received it to delete the email immediately. In his message, he urged Booking.com to take action, highlighting the need for their security team to investigate the misuse of their brand.

Booking.com promptly acknowledged the issue on Twitter and expressed their commitment to investigating the matter further. The official account reassured users by urging them to report any suspicious activity and to be vigilant against such scams that misuse their identity.

A Cautionary Response from Booking.com

In their social media communication, Booking.com made it clear that they do not engage with customers over messaging apps like Telegram or WhatsApp, urging users instead to contact customer service through official channels. They emphasized that sharing personal information or making payments in response to such suspicious messages could expose users to significant risks.

Booking.com also advised recipients of any fraudulent emails to report the incidents to local authorities and avoid clicking on any links. They encouraged users to ensure all communications are legitimate by contacting the company directly with any booking information they may have.

The Bigger Picture: A Broader Pattern of Crypto Scams

This incident isn’t isolated, as it reflects a worrying trend in scams targeting the cryptocurrency space. Just a month prior, Binance had alerted its users about scammers posing as listing agents who falsely claimed they could secure listings for a fee. These scams often escalate, as seen in reports of impersonators masquerading as customer support representatives, guiding users into changing settings that could jeopardize their funds.

The rise in these sophisticated scams has left many in the crypto community feeling vulnerable and frustrated. Bobby Ong highlighted the necessity for all crypto users to verify communications diligently, advising them to scrutinize sender domains and avoid any suspicious links that could lead to phishing attempts.

Enhanced Security Practices Are Essential

Security experts in the cryptocurrency field echo Ong’s sentiments. They stress the importance of verifying any unusual requests directly with the platform through official channels. With the constant evolution of scam tactics, users must remain vigilant and informed to protect themselves from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated frauds.

As the digital currency landscape continues to grow, so does the need for enhanced awareness around common scams. Cybersecurity in cryptocurrency is a shared responsibility, requiring both users and companies to stay informed and proactive against threats.

These incidents serve as a reminder of the vigilance required in the ever-evolving realm of cryptocurrency and online communications. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or a curious newcomer, exercising caution can make all the difference in navigating today’s digital landscape safely.