The Mark: Hotel guests
The Hook: Hello, Mr. Smith this is the hotel front desk. There seems to be a problem processing your credit card. Can you please verify your card information?
The Sting: A con man has just gotten your credit card information.
How it works: A con man calls the hotel front desk asking for Mr. Smith (or other common surname) or for Room 101. Once the hotel transfers the call, the guest believes it comes from the front desk. They don’t think it’s an outside call. They readily cooperate.
How to avoid this scam: Tell the person you prefer to come down to the front desk.
Source: Money Magazine, Carolyn Bigda, “The Concierge Con”.
