Hotel Scam

[scrollerpete]

This is one of the best scams I’ve heard about.

You arrive at your hotel and check in at the front desk. Typically when checking in, you give the front desk your credit card (for any 

 

charges to your room).

You go to your room and settle in. All is good.

 The hotel receives a call and the caller asks for (as an example) room 620 - which happens to be your room.

The phone rings in your room. You answer and the person on the other end says the following: 'This is the front desk.

When checking in, we came across a problem with your charge card information. Please re-read me your credit card number and verify t

he last 3 digits numbers at the reverse side of your charge card.'

Not thinking anything wrong, since the call seems to come from the front desk you oblige.

But actually, it is a scam by someone calling from outside the hotel.

 They have asked for a random room number, then ask you for your credit card and address information.

They sound so professional, that you think you are talking to the front desk.

 If you ever encounter this scenario on your travels, tell the caller that you will be down to the front desk to clear up any problems.

Then, go to the front desk or call directly and ask if there was a problem.

If there was none, inform the manager of the hotel that someone tried to scam you of your credit card information, acting like a front 

 

desk employee.

 This was sent by someone who has been duped........and is still cleaning up the mess.

ANYONE travelling should be aware of this one!

[ChelCass]

Instead of going down to the desk I tell the caller to read me the credit card number they wrote down.  They hang up in a hurry and then I report it to the hotel. Same thing with someone calling your house and wanting to verify your bank account or Social security number. You just can't be too careful. Another scam is someone will call and immediately ask *Can You Hear Me*...Never say *Yes*.  Either say I hear you or hang up. I usually just pretend to not hear them and it really frustrates them.  

[rafairchild2]

Yup... Simple social engineering. 

[Dan]

Or give the caller a BS number. If they say it checks out then they were trying to scam you.