Travel Scam Alert: Beware of This Clever Hotel Phone Scam

As travelers, we often rely on the hospitality and professionalism of hotels to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay. Unfortunately, scammers have found a way to exploit this trust. I want to alert you to a clever scam that targets unsuspecting travelers in hotels. Here's how it works and how you can protect yourself.

How the Scam Unfolds

1. You Check In as Usual
   Upon arrival at your hotel, you check in at the front desk and hand over your credit card for incidental charges—standard procedure.

2. You Settle Into Your Room
   You head to your room, unpack, and relax, unaware that you're now a potential target for a scammer.

3. The Scam Begins
   The hotel receives a phone call from an outsider asking to be connected to a specific room, for example, Room 620—which happens to be your room. Once connected, your hotel room phone rings.

4. The Deceptive Call
   The person on the other end introduces themselves as being from the front desk and claims there was a problem processing your credit card information. They sound professional and convincing, putting you at ease. Then, they ask you to confirm your credit card details, including the three-digit security code on the back of the card.

5. You Provide the Information
   Believing the call is legitimate, you share your credit card details, thinking you’re resolving an issue. Unfortunately, the person on the other end is a scammer, and they now have everything they need to make fraudulent transactions with your card.

How to Protect Yourself

• Verify Before Acting
  If you ever receive a call like this, do not provide any credit card information over the phone. Instead, politely tell the caller that you will address the issue in person at the front desk.

• Contact the Front Desk Directly
  Hang up and call the front desk using the number provided by the hotel (not the number on the caller ID). Alternatively, go down to the front desk and speak to a staff member in person.

• Alert Hotel Management
  If you confirm there was no issue with your credit card, inform the hotel management immediately. This helps them stay vigilant and potentially warn other guests.

Why This Scam Works

This scam is successful because it preys on the natural assumption that a call coming to your room phone must be from hotel staff. The professional tone and sense of urgency create pressure to respond quickly without questioning the situation.

Stay Safe While Traveling

Scams like this are a reminder to always stay alert and cautious, even in seemingly secure environments like hotels. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself and others from falling victim to such tactics.

If you’ve ever encountered this type of scam or know someone who has, share this blog post to help spread awareness. Let’s work together to keep the travel community safe from fraud.

Safe travels!