The Polish competition authority has issued a warning regarding the pressure tactics often employed by booking services during last-minute travel reservations. These tactics can create a false sense of urgency, leading consumers to make hasty decisions.

UOKiK President Tomasz Chróstny emphasized the importance of taking time to verify offers before making a payment. Consumers should compare the initial price with the final amount and be wary of additional charges that may arise during the booking process.

Common pressure tactics include messages indicating limited availability, such as 'only one room left' or '12 people are viewing this property.' These statements can be misleading and do not necessarily reflect the actual availability of accommodations.

Additionally, countdown timers for promotions may not accurately represent the end of an offer, further pressuring consumers to act quickly. Chróstny advises travelers to check cancellation policies and ensure they understand all costs associated with their booking.

After making a reservation, consumers may receive urgent messages requesting immediate payment confirmation. These messages can appear legitimate but may be attempts to scam individuals into providing payment information. The authority urges consumers to verify such requests directly through official channels.

In conclusion, the UOKiK encourages consumers to remain calm and cautious when booking travel, ensuring they thoroughly check all details before finalizing any payments.