BBB Warns of Phone Scam Aimed at Guests

BBB warns New Years travelers to beware of a telephone phishing scam designed to steal credit card numbers. BBBs around the nation are hearing from travelers who receive such scam calls.

How the Scam Works

A hotel guest receives a phone call in the middle of the night. The caller claims to be a hotel employee who needs to get your credit card number because:

1. The hotel encountered a problem processing your credit card and they need to verify your number.
2. The hotel's computer system has crashed and they need to get your credit-card information for charge 
3. The hotel's system has crashed and your credit card information is needed for an audit to be conducted shortly.

The crooks count on catching you while you are asleep so you are groggy and not thinking clearly when answering the phone. To compensate for the inconvenience, the scammer might even offer room discount.

Hotels generally handle billing questions at the front desk, not over the phone. 

Your BBB advises:

• Never give your credit card or banking information over the phone to someone you don't know.
• If you're staying at a hotel and get a call from someone claiming to be a hotel employee, hang up and call the front desk yourself, or go to the front desk yourself.
• Remind friends and family not to provide credit-card information over the phone during a hotel stay.

Related Articles

01/24/2012 BBB Warns of Super Bowl Scams With the Super Bowl just around the corner, Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be on alert for knock-off team jerseys, counterfeit memorabilia and phony game tickets.
01/19/2012 Lose Weight and Not Money with Gym Memberships In 2011, BBB received more than 6,600 complaints against gyms. Issues ranged from billing and collection issues to overall contract issues.
01/10/2012 Beware of Ticket Scams for 49ers Playoff Game 49ers tickets are in high demand for their playoff game this Saturday and scammers are sure to take notice.