Anglesey Trading Standards are warning businesses of a new wave of scam e-mails targeting hoteliers and let accommodation.
The scam e-mails, which have already been sent to businesses on the Island, involve getting the hotel or accommodation premises to accept credit card payment upfront.
The booking will later be cancelled and a refund demanded. The business owner will then discover that, having made a refund, the initial payment was fraudulent and that they are also left with a charge back by the card issuing bank.
Some common traits that could help businesses identify potential scam mailings are:
- Poor spelling and grammar.
- Sender is often a ‘Doctor’, ‘Reverend’, ‘Travel Agent’ or ‘Priest’.
- A general greeting line such as ‘Hello Dear’ or ‘Hello Sir, Madam’.
- Reservation is for a group of ‘delegates’ or ‘students’ or ‘honeymoon couples’.
- Originating mail is more often than not a free e-mail address (e.g. Yahoo/hotmail) even when the writer claims to represent a company.
- Mail is addressed to ‘undisclosed recipients’ or some other address than your own.
- • Bookings are for long periods for several people.
- Over payment made or offered
Principal Trading Standards Officer, Emma Jones, is urging local businesses to be on their guard.
She said, “If you receive an e-mail which includes these traits, do not respond. Simply delete the message immediately. If you have already accepted such a booking and overpayment do not issue a refund, contact Trading Standards for further advice.”
If you’re concerned you could be the target of an e-mail scam, contact Anglesey Trading Standards can be contacted on (01248) 752840.
