Hotel Scam Alert: How to Avoid Being Caught Out and Losing Money
A Clever hotel scam has caught a number of travellers out, leaving them as much as £100 out of pocket. Reddit user Phracza said the incident occurred while staying at a hotel in Colombia.
The Hotel Scam Incident in Colombia
Another person said it happened to them: ” Don’t be surprised if you receive additional emails claiming a poor maid forgot to add a laundry charge on certain days and if you do not pay the maid will be required to pay the amount. “I had this happen to me with a stay at a place in Panama.”
Tips to Avoid Hotel Scams
Fake Calls from Reception
Another way fraudsters catch guests out is by pretending to call the room from the hotel reception.
Posting Images of Hotel Rooms
Another way holidaymakers put themselves at risk is posting images of their hotel
How to protect yourself from scams
Firstly, remember that if something seems too good to be true, it normally is. Check brands are “verified” on Facebook and Twitter pages – this means the company will have a blue tick on its profile. Look for grammatical and spelling errors; fraudsters are notoriously bad at writing proper English. If you’re invited to click on a URL, hover over the link to see the address it will take you to – does it look genuine? To be on the really safe side, don’t click on unsolicited links in messages, even if they appear to come from a trusted contact. Be careful when opening email attachments too. Fraudsters are increasingly attaching files, usually PDFs or spreadsheets, which contain dangerous malware. If you receive a suspicious message then report it to the company, block the sender and delete it. If you think you’ve fallen for a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use its online fraud reporting tool.
This comprehensive guide will help you stay vigilant and avoid falling victim to hotel scams while traveling. Remember to always be cautious and alert when dealing with unexpected charges or requests for personal information. Stay safe and enjoy your travels!