Staying at hotels can be a fun and relaxing experience, whether you’re on a vacation or a business trip. But as convenient as hotels can be, they’re also breeding grounds for scams targeting unsuspecting guests. Recently, a gentleman almost fell victim to a hotel scam in Las Vegas. His experience serves as a crucial reminder to stay vigilant when staying at any hotel, regardless of location or brand. Here’s his story and some vital tips to avoid becoming a target yourself.
The Las Vegas Hotel Scam: A Cautionary Tale
The gentleman shared his experience of staying at a modest hotel just off the Las Vegas Strip. It wasn’t a big-name chain, but it had solid reviews, and he chose it to save some money. Everything seemed fine—until Sunday morning, when his hotel phone rang at 10:30 a.m., just before checkout.
On the other end of the line, someone claiming to be the hotel manager explained that the hotel’s computer system was down, causing a delay in processing checkouts. The supposed manager offered a solution: an extended checkout and a refund for the least expensive night, citing the inconvenience. This all seemed perfectly reasonable, especially considering there were supposedly 30+ people in line for checkout.
The manager then offered to check him out over the phone, asking him to confirm his credit card number. That’s when things got suspicious. The guest hesitated and, despite the person on the phone becoming a bit defensive, he opted to go to the front desk in person instead.
What did he find out when he arrived? It was all a scam. The hotel’s staff confirmed that their computer systems were working just fine, and nobody from the hotel had called him. Scammers had randomly dialed hotel rooms, attempting to trick guests into giving away their credit card details.
How Hotel Scammers Operate
Hotel scams can be surprisingly sophisticated, often using real hotel details to make the call seem legitimate. They may know your room number, be aware of the hotel’s layout, and even use convincing scenarios like a system failure or staff shortage to get your personal information.
In this particular case, the scammer’s timing was key. They called just before checkout, when guests are often distracted with packing and getting ready to leave, making them more likely to comply without thinking twice. The offer of an extended checkout and a free night also made the guest more inclined to go along with the scheme—who doesn’t want a little extra time to recover from a busy weekend, especially in a city like Las Vegas?
The scammer’s tactic was clever but also dangerous. Once they had the guest’s credit card information, they could easily rack up fraudulent charges or worse, sell the details to other criminals.
What to Do If You Get a Suspicious Call at a Hotel
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, it’s important to stay calm and follow these essential tips to protect your personal and financial information:
1. Don’t Share Personal Information Over the Phone
No legitimate hotel staff member will ask for sensitive information like your credit card number over the phone. If you’re asked to provide personal details during a phone call, politely decline and go to the front desk in person. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to make you act quickly, but it’s better to take a moment to ensure you’re dealing with the right person.
2. Verify the Caller’s Identity
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a hotel employee, ask for their name and department. Then, hang up and call the front desk using the hotel’s main phone number. This simple step ensures you’re speaking with a legitimate hotel representative and not a scammer posing as staff.
3. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off about a situation, trust your gut. In the Las Vegas scam, the guest became suspicious when asked to provide his credit card number over the phone. Even though the scammer tried to sound official, the guest’s instincts led him to check things out in person—and it saved him from becoming a victim.
4. Be Wary of Offers That Seem Too Good to Be True
In the story, the scammer offered the guest an extended checkout and a free night’s stay. These types of perks may sound tempting, but they should also raise red flags, especially if they come without you asking for them. Scammers know that people are more likely to go along with a deal if there’s something in it for them.
Additional Hotel Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
While phone scams are one of the most common tricks, there are other scams and safety hazards to be aware of when staying in hotels. Here are a few extra precautions to take:
1. Keep Your Door Locked
It might seem obvious, but many guests forget to lock their doors when they’re in the room or when stepping out briefly. Always use the deadbolt and the secondary lock if available to ensure your room is secure.
2. Use the Hotel Safe for Valuables
Most hotels provide an in-room safe where you can store valuables like passports, money, or electronics. Use this service rather than leaving your items out in the open.
3. Double Check Your Bills
Always review your hotel bill at checkout to ensure there aren’t any fraudulent or unexpected charges. Scammers sometimes get hold of credit card information through hacked hotel systems or fake phone calls, so it’s always good to double-check.
4. Be Mindful of Wi-Fi Networks
If you’re using the hotel’s Wi-Fi, make sure it’s the official network provided by the hotel. Fake Wi-Fi hotspots can trick guests into entering personal information or downloading malware. When in doubt, ask the front desk for the correct network name.
Conclusion: Stay Alert and Protect Your Information
Traveling should be enjoyable, but it’s essential to stay vigilant, especially when it comes to protecting your personal information. Scammers are becoming more creative and bold, targeting hotel guests when they’re most vulnerable. As this story from Las Vegas demonstrates, it only takes one phone call for someone to fall victim to a scam.
Always be cautious when someone asks for personal information over the phone, even if they claim to be from the hotel. When in doubt, go directly to the front desk or use a known hotel phone number to verify the caller’s identity. By staying alert and following these safety tips, you can avoid falling for scams and have a worry-free hotel stay.
