5 Hotel Scams to Watch Out For

As more people start traveling, the Better Business Bureau warns of common cons in the hotel industry.

Research shows the majority of Americans are ready to travel this summer. Those among the 144 million fully vaccinated may not much to fear of COVID-19 anymore. But they need to look out for a new foe during travel – scammers.

The Better Business Bureau just released a public warning to “Beware of hotel scams.” And for good reason: Every year, Americans lose a collective $4 billion to fraudulent hotel bookings, reports industry trade group the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

In fact, 23 percent of U.S. consumers fall victim to these scams, according to an AHLA survey. How does it happen?

“Deceptive websites, online ads, and search engines mislead thousands of consumers into believing they are booking directly with a hotel’s website or call center,” the survey says, “when in fact they have no affiliation to the hotel.”

Here are the five most common scams and how to avoid them, according to the BBB…

1. Phony websites

Scammers create websites that look scarily similar to that of the hotel. The AHLA recommends guests book directly with a hotel or resort. If the reservation is made online, be sure to check it’s on the official website.

2. Fake food delivery services

Not all the menus in your room are real. Scam artists are known to leave phony restaurant menus in hotel rooms to lure unsuspecting victims into placing an order and using a credit card number to pay over the phone. In reality, there is no restaurant and an identity thief just got away with your credit card number.

The BBB recommends you do a little research on the dining options in the area. You can search online, or simply ask the front desk of the hotel or resort you’re staying at.

3. Fake calls from the front desk

If you ever receive a late-night phone call while staying in a hotel, make sure to report it to the front desk. Scammers call guests claiming to be a front desk employee. They’ll tell guests there was trouble with their credit card and request their financial information to fix the problem.

Here’s the thing: Hotel staff members will never do such a thing. If there is a problem with billing, the real hotel staff member will notify guests at the front desk.

4. Nonsecure WiFi

Always make sure to use the WiFi name and password provided by the front desk. Scammers set up non-secure WiFi hubs for data skimming. Use of that free WiFi leaves your personal data wide open for hackers to mine and potentially access your financial records.

5. Checkout fraud

The easiest way to avoid problems at checkout is to use the credit card originally placed on file during check-in. Hotels request you use a credit card to check in for incidentals. Any incorrect or fraudulent charges can easily be corrected with a credit card company. A debit card with your bank, on the other hand, isn’t so easy.

The BBB suggests scammers may be lurking, and if you choose to change your payment method to cash or debit, it’s best to request a receipt of the transaction. That way you have proof of purchase in case you find yourself in a sketchy situation later.