February 18, 2025
There’s nothing like that first moment of relaxation after a long travel day. You’ve checked into your hotel, dropped your bags, and maybe even kicked off your shoes. Then—your room phone rings. The voice on the other end, claiming to be from the front desk, says there’s been an issue with your credit card.
They sound professional. They’re polite. They just need you to verify your card details.
But here’s the problem: It’s a scam. And travelers fall for it more often than you’d think.
Scammers have gotten more sophisticated, targeting guests while they’re tired and unsuspecting. But with a little knowledge, you can outsmart them. Let’s break down how this scam works and, more importantly, how to avoid it.
How the Hotel Phone Scam Works
This scam preys on your trust in hotel staff. Here’s how it usually unfolds:
1️⃣ A scammer calls the hotel, asking for a random room number. They have no idea who you are—they just need someone to pick up.
2️⃣ Your room phone rings. The caller identifies themselves as hotel staff, often sounding professional and reassuring.
3️⃣ They claim there was an issue with your credit card. Maybe the system flagged a problem, or there was a mistake during check-in.
4️⃣ They ask you to “verify” your credit card details. This includes your full number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address.
5️⃣ Thinking it’s legitimate, you hand over your information. And just like that, you’ve given scammers everything they need to start making purchases with your card.
6️⃣ By the time you realize what’s happened, they’ve racked up charges—and it can be a hassle to dispute fraudulent transactions while traveling.
Sounds simple, right? But it’s easy to fall for when you’re exhausted and assume you’re talking to hotel staff. That’s why it’s important to know how to spot the scam before it happens.
How to Protect Yourself from Hotel Scams
Now that you know how it works, here’s how to stay one step ahead:
✔️ Never give credit card info over the phone. Hotels won’t ask for it this way. If there’s a real issue, they’ll ask you to visit the front desk in person.
✔️ Say, “I’ll handle it at the front desk.” If someone calls claiming to be from the hotel, politely decline and say you’ll verify in person. A scammer will usually push back or try to keep you on the line—another red flag.
✔️ Call the front desk yourself. Hang up and call the number given to you at check-in—not the one that just called your room.
✔️ Check your transactions regularly. If you think you may have shared your details with a scammer, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.
✔️ Alert hotel management. Let them know a scammer is targeting guests so they can take action. Some hotels even post warnings to alert future travelers.
Other Hotel Scams to Watch Out For
Unfortunately, this isn’t the only scam targeting travelers. Here are a few others to be aware of:
🔹 Fake Food Delivery Menus – A menu is slipped under your door, advertising a local restaurant. You call, place an order, and give your credit card info… but the restaurant doesn’t exist. Instead, the scammer steals your card details. Always verify with the hotel before ordering.
🔹 Wi-Fi Honeypots – You see a free Wi-Fi network labeled “Hotel Guest Wi-Fi.” It looks official, but it’s actually set up by a hacker to steal your personal data. Only connect to networks verified by the hotel.
🔹 Fake Housekeeping or Maintenance Calls – A scammer calls pretending to be from maintenance, asking when you’ll be out of your room to “fix something.” They’re actually trying to find a time to break in and steal valuables. Confirm with the front desk before letting anyone into your room.
Final Thoughts: Stay Smart, Stay Secure
Scammers are getting more creative, but a little awareness goes a long way. The best defense? Trust your gut. If something feels off, verify it in person.
At Elevating Travel, we believe stress-free travel starts with knowing how to avoid common pitfalls. By staying informed and alert, you can focus on what really matters—enjoying your adventure.
💬 Have you ever encountered a travel scam? Share your experience in the comments below!
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🥥 Jamaican Coconut Toto Cake 🍰
A traditional Caribbean coconut cake that’s rich, moist, and bursting with island flavor! Perfect with a cup of Blue Mountain coffee or a tropical cocktail.
Ingredients:
🥥 2 cups all-purpose flour
🥄 1 tsp baking powder
🥄 ½ tsp baking soda
🧂 ½ tsp salt
🌿 1 tsp ground cinnamon
🌿 ½ tsp ground nutmeg
🥥 1 ½ cups shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
🧈 ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
🍯 ¾ cup brown sugar
🥚 2 eggs
🥛 1 cup coconut milk
🌿 1 tsp vanilla extract
🌿 1 tsp almond extract (optional, for extra Caribbean flair)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
2️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and shredded coconut.
3️⃣ In a separate bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
4️⃣ Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
5️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with coconut milk, mixing until just combined.
6️⃣ Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7️⃣ Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8️⃣ Let cool before slicing. Serve as is or with a dusting of powdered sugar!
✨ Pro Tip: Want to take it up a notch? Serve with a drizzle of honey, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence!
🌍 A taste of the islands, right from your kitchen! Whether you're reminiscing about a past trip or dreaming of your next adventure, this classic coconut cake brings Caribbean flavor to your home.
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