Crime Prevention Safety Tip
 

Hotel Check-In Credit Card Scam


 

This is something everyone who plans on traveling and staying in a hotel should be aware of.


 

You arrive at your hotel and check in  at the front desk.

Typically when  checking in, you give the front desk your credit card (for any charges  to your room).


 

You go to your room and settle in.   All is good.
 
The hotel receives a call and the caller asks for (as an example) room  620 - which happens to be  your room.


 

The phone rings in your room. You answer and the person on the other end says the following:


 

'This is the front desk. When checking in, we  came across a problem with your charge card information. Please re-read  me your credit card  numbers and verify the last 3 digits numbers at the  reverse side of  your charge card.'
  
Not thinking anything wrong, since the  call seems to come from the  front desk you oblige.


 

But actually, it  is a scam by someone calling from outside the hotel.

They have asked for a random room number, then ask you for your credit card and  address information.


They sound so professional, that you think you are talking to the front desk.
  
If you ever encounter this scenario on your travels, tell the caller that you will be down to the front desk to clear up any problems. 

Then,  go to the front desk or call directly and ask if there was a problem.  If there was none, inform the manager of the hotel that someone tried to scam you of your credit card information, acting like a front desk employee. 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  

For more information on all of the programs we offer, or for crime prevention and personal safety tips visit our website: www.nypdcommunityaffairs.org  (JJ/jk) (td)

Contact:
NYPD Community Affairs Bureau
1 Police Plaza, New York NY 10038 | 646.610.5323 
Email: communityaffairs@nypd.org
Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter   View our videos on YouTube