Public Intelligence

SIAC Request for Information (RFI)

• 1 page
• For Official Use Only
• March 22, 2010

(U//FOUO) Overview:

Recently there has been an email circulating regarding a front desk credit card confusion scam. The Statewide Information and Analysis Center is requesting information regarding this scam and if there are any related incidents reported in your area.

There are different versions of this scam, but, the end result is the same. The scam is as follows:

The “Scammer” calls the hotel/motel front desk and randomly asks for one of the room numbers; the desk clerk reroutes the call. The phone rings in the potential victim’s room and the scammer on the other end says the following: This is the front desk. When checking in, we became aware of a problem with your credit card information. Please re-read me your credit card number and verify the last 3 digits of the number on the reverse side of your credit card. If the occupant gives the caller this information, they fall victim to the scam.

Intelligence Gaps:

The SIAC is requesting information pertaining to the following questions:

• Has this type of scam occurred in your area?
• If so, where did it occur (i.e. hotel, motel, equipment/recreational rentals, etc.)?
• Has this scam occurred more than once at the same hotel/motel or similar location?
• Do you have any suspects?