*****ulent debit transaction without approval or authorization

During September last year, I made a provisional booking for a house in Plettenberg day for November 2025 which necessitated provision of my debit card details. On the 28th of November 2024,booking.com subtracted R3600 from my Capitec debit card without my authorization or any notification. Both Capitec bank and Booking.com were informed of this *****ulent transaction. Subsequently, it seems that the *****sters used the money to fund hotel accommodation (in my name) in Cape Town. (booking number *** City Club Circle).

I did not make this booking, nor did I confirm any payment for it. I did receive emails containing the following: a payment received email, a booking number and two emails asking me to rate my stay. The Cape Town accommodation booking is furthermore not reflected on my booking.com app.

I have contacted the booking.com customer service team and they asked me to provide them with the confirmation number, PIN-code, email address, accommodation name and location and the check-in and check-out dates. I provided them with those details immediately and never got a response, only that I should go to my bank. My bank has been trying to solve this case, but the merchant (booking.com) keeps on closing the case, therefore I have decided to formally file a ***** case with the SAPS and seek legal advice. I have even taken it upon myself by calling the hotel and they confirmed that there were people who stayed there. I am surprised that booking.com withdrew funds from my debit card without any approval or authorization and thereafter allowed *****sters accommodation in Cape Town without any verification.