Something else to be on the lookout for. This one works in large busy hotels one of two ways. Someone calls the hotel operator and asks her to ring the Williams' room (or some other common name). Odds are, there will be someone in the hotel by that name. The operators are supposed to ask for the first name of the guest too, but it doesn't always happen. Once the person has been put through to the room, they pretend to be the front desk, "There seems to be some problem with your credit card--we are missing a digit, (or the company doesn't recognize the number etc), will you repeat it so we can straighten this out". Guest gives # and voilà, the thief is off on a shopping spree.

The 2nd approach is for the thief to actually come into a hotel which has a convention and circulate with the conventioneers in the public spaces, making note of the name tags as he goes, then using names picked up this way to call the hotel and ask for the guest by name.

This happened here this past week. Guest became suspicious almost immediately after giving the credit card number and went to the front desk, where she learned she had not been called, nor would she be asked for the number over the phone. She called her company immediately to cancel, but even in that short period of time, several charges had been made.

So...especially anyone with a common name, beware, and conventioneers...think about turning those name tags around when you are out of your meeting space.

Thanks for the warning, OO! I've passed it along to friends and family.

If you think for minute, you will quickly realize that when you check into a hotel, they scan your credit card through a machine. Thus, the "missing digit" scheme wouldn't make sense, right?

Sure glad we have an odd name. Guess it pays off for once, lol!

Well, I hope your post helps someone who would fall for this!
My card number has been stolen 2x, both times by restaurant employees while I was on a business trip.

Very good observation Howard!

Fortunately, I am hyphenated (or unfortunately) so the chances are zero someone would ask for my room.

Thanks for the heads up OO!

There's no need to turn your badge around. The problem is not that someone gets your name - the problem is that you give them your credit card info.

Everyone should know never to give anyone that calls you credit card info - no matter who they say they are.

This is an aboslute rule. The same as not letting anyone into your hotel room - no matter who they say they are.

I agree 100%, nytraveler. But I still think this is a good heads up as there's always that little bit of hestitation when the scammer presents themselves as someone who may legitimately have reason to need your number. Always good to be reminded that there's never a reason to give it.

YIKES, as a person with a common name this concerns me. I'm sure I would have fallen for that scam.

I know--I will change my last name to something more unusual. How about Stephanopolous? I'm open to other suggestions.

This reminds me of a time I was at a hotel and about an hour after check-in desk called with some credit card issue (transaction on card scan had not gone thru - just a technology problem). They asked me to stop by lobby anytime before I checked out to have them reswipe card - I know this was legitimate in this case, but I am wondering if I would have given them number over the phone - scary that I might have (and I have very unusual last name, so no chance it was scam mentioned above)

How about a boost in scam IQ?

Thanks for the heads up. We are supposed to know better, but sometimes you just get thrown off guard by these unscrupulous crooks.

Coincidentally, I just finished preparing name badges for a mini convention being held at a local hotel which begins tomorrow. Good info to know.

I agree with the "boost the scam IQ" idea. The scammers aren't getting any stupider - and it's up to us to stay smarter than they are.

It's really not that complicated - if someone calls on the phone don't tell them ANYTHING until they give full info on who they are/what they want. If you're really interested for some reason (and I would have thought by now that everyone had put themselves on the don;t call list) ask them to mail you info. (They won;t do this - since it would then be mail fraud - a federal crime.)

And - if anyone calls in the middle of the night and says you MUST give them info for some reason (or your phone or credit card will be cancelled) just HANG UP. No legitimate business calls you in the middle of the night.

Is it really necessary to tell people all this? Isn't it obvious?

(And if you're the type of person who is easily flustered or confused, make it a rule to insist the person wait - put the phone down, go into another room and count to 10, think if this could posssibly be real - then go back and HANG UP - if the person is still there - which I doubt.)

Oh - and it is NOT possible to give mammograms by helicopter. So if someone tells you to get undressed, go to the window and stick your naked boobs out - that's not a real good idea either.

(And to the people who fell for that one - medial science has not yet figured out how to implant common sense and you probably should never be left alone.)

nytraveler, that was a scam?!? I was wondering why my results came back "needs improvement".

OO, thanks for the heads up! Our uncommonly found, frequently mispronounced last name should keep us safe from this one.

AnnMarie, LOL...you are safe!!! I like the idea of mammogram via helicopter. Can we get that here?

Oops...my other computer forgot who I was..er..am! LOL

I have always been asked if I still wanted to use the same credit card to pay the final bill.
If they had a problem with my "guarantee", we deal with it at checkout.
M

To prevent this from happening just change your last name to Soprano.

This scam was posted on teh SF forum at TA. Like NYTraveler a regular posted that everyone should already know this kind of thing and be aware. I actually don't understand the problem with OO and on Trip Advisor, Wes, posting a reminder. If you are already smart enough well, congratulations but there are plenty of travelers who when they are tired and distracted might have a momentary lapse. If this simple example serves as a heads up reminder to all sin't that something to be thankful for?

"Is it really necessary to tell people all this? Isn't it obvious?"

Nothing is really necessary except food and water but the thoughtfulness of OO and others to keep everyone on their toes is appreciated.

Clearly scams are not obvious to those who fall for them, so how can warning them in advance be bad?

Good for those who are so proud of themselves that they know anyone who does get scammed is just "stupid" and deserves to get scammed. They can be very proud of their intelligence.