As we head into August, many people are still making the most of their days with getaways and staycations. Unfortunately, this increased travel also brings the risk of hotel fraud. Scammers are always on the lookout for opportunities to exploit unsuspecting travelers. Here’s what you need to know about some common hotel fraud schemes and how to protect yourself.

1. Front Desk Call Scam

One scam involves fraudsters calling your room and pretending to be from the hotel front desk. They might claim there’s an issue with your payment information or that they need to confirm some details. They’ll ask for your credit card number or other sensitive information. Never provide personal or financial details over the phone unless you’ve initiated the call and verified the number with the hotel directly. If you receive such a call, hang up and call the front desk using a known, legitimate number.

2. Food Delivery Scam

In this scam, someone slides a fake menu under your room door. When you scan the QR code or call the number to place your order, the fraudster collects your credit card information. Never order food off these menus unless you’ve received it from the front desk.

3. Wi-Fi Scam

Free hotel Wi-Fi is convenient, but it can also be a vector for fraud. Scammers set up fake Wi-Fi networks with names similar to the hotel’s legitimate network to trick guests into connecting. Once connected, they can access your personal information and data. Always ensure you’re connecting to the official hotel Wi-Fi network, and if you’re unsure, ask the front desk for the correct network name and password.

Stay Vigilant

As you continue to enjoy your summer travels, keeping these fraud prevention tips in mind will help ensure a safe and enjoyable stay. Safe travels!