Oops! Hotels.com, the Web site owned by Expedia, yesterday sent a disturbing letter to some customers. It seem their credit-card data and other information may have fallen into the wrong hands.
“Recently, Hotels.com was informed by its outside auditor, Ernst & Young, that one of Ernst & Young’s employees had his laptop computer stolen,” the letter, which was first reported by the UK newspaper The Register, said. “Unfortunately, the computer contained certain information about customer transactions with Hotels.com, and other sites through which we provide booking services directly to customers, from 2002 through 2004. This information may have included your name, address and some credit or debit card information you provided at that time.”
The Wall Street Journal picked up the story in today’s edition without crediting The Register (tsk, tsk) noting that the security breach affected 243,000 customers. It also said Hotels.com would offer those customers free credit-monitoring services.
Given all the recent security breaches, a credit-monitoring service might be a good idea even if you aren’t affected by the Hotels.com security problem.
Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.
Elliott is consumer advocate 
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