SCAM ALERT

COVID has made it easier than ever for scam artists to go to work.  With people’s tensions already on the rise, scammers can catch you off-guard and ultimately end up taking money out of your bank account or racking up charges on your credit card.

The most scam being reported involves those who are traveling and staying in hotels/motels.  As is normal, it is usually required that a credit card number be left on file when you check in should any additional room charges apply - like room service, movie orders, etc.  Scammers know this and have come up with a new way to try to get this information...but not from the front desk - from YOU!

The scammer calls any given hotel and asks for a random room number.  When the occupant of the room picks up, they are told it’s the front desk calling (it’s not) and that they discovered a problem with your credit card.  Then they proceed to ask you to verify your credit card number as well as the three-digit code on the back.

If you happen to receive a call like this, it is recommended instead of providing the information over the phone, you tell them you will be right down and you go to the front desk in person.  If there truly was a problem, you can resolve the situation immediately.  If there was NOT a problem, you saved yourself a lot of time, frustration, and perhaps a lot of missing money.  And don’t forget to inform the hotel/motel manager as well as local law enforcement.