Scam Alert

In today's issue of Money Magazine, Carolyn Bigda writes a scam alert article that I think all my readers should be aware of.

• The Pitch - "This is the hotel front desk calling. There is a problem processing your credit card. Can you verify your card number and billing address?"
  


• How the scammer got to you - S/he simply called the front desk asking for room 204 or a common surname, such as "Mr. Smith." Once transferred, the call appears to you as if it's made from within the hotel, giving it an air of legitimacy. Not wanting to get tossed out, you all-too-willingly provide your digits and billing address over the phone-all the information a fraudster needs to begin making bogus charges.
  


• How to foil 'em - "Hotels generally won't ask you to verify credit-card information over the phone," says Joe McInerney, president of the American Hotel and Lodging Association. So if you get such a call, assume it's a con. Say you'd prefer to handle the matter at the front desk: You'll need a minute to gather your wallet or change out of beach gear. When you do make your way down, you will quickly find out if there's really a problem with your card.