New Hotel Scam going around
 

Thank you so much for this information - it is well worth knowing. Amazes me what "crooks" think of. Just think what they could accomplish with that mind!!!! Just amazes me.

Thanks for the heads up. I don't think alot of people would question a call from the "front desk"

here is what Snopes says about this phishing scam
http://www.snopes.com/fraud/phishing/hotel.asp

I by-pass this by not staying in Hotels or Motels.

thank you for posting this. I copied and sent it out to my contacts in email. It never hurts to be extra careful

Just remember this. If there is a problem with your credit card, it is immediately (within seconds) detected. Ever go to the register and hear the clerk say to you or you overhear; your card is declined? That doesn't happen minutes later. If you know your card is good and you get that kind of call, just tell them you will call the company and get it straightened out. Also tell them to read the account number back to you and ask for the security code on the back to you. Also make note and have short conversation with the clerk and repeat their name in conversation about 3-4 times. If you get that call from the Front Desk they usually say who they are. If you say "Oh thanks John and know the FD clerks name is James or Mary or ? you can report it. Tell them to call you right back because think you actually left it at the desk. A friend of mine did this. Went down to the FD and told them what was going on. The scammer also was nearby and tried to pick up his card. Quick little sting. Nailed the scammer who had a foreign accent and no definite lisp as the clerk at the front desk. The scammer was working out of his apartment/office couple doors down.

thanks for the tip doing an overnighter in Orlando tonight

I have to travel for work and this is a great "heads up" . Thanks for posting.

One more precaution. When staying at a hotel/motel where keycards are used, NEVER return the keycard. Take it home with you and shred it, cut it up, or otherwise destroy it. I retired from a government agency, and that was what we were told to do when we traveled. The cards frequently have personal information recorded on them (including credit card info, home address, etc.), and when you turn them back in to the front desk, they are usually tossed into a drawer with all the other returned cards. When re-used, the new information is recorded over your information, and all is fine. The problem is while the card is in that drawer. Anyone with access to the front desk can take a few of those cards and use the recorded information. Yes, they need to know what they are doing, but why take the chance. I have destroyed a couple dozen key cards, and have never been contacted regarding the missing cards.