Hotel Phone Scams
As part of our mission to keep our membership informed of developments in the hotel industry, the following was emailed to WLA members June 24, 2011.
Recent Phone Scam
A downtown Seattle hotel was targeted recently in a phone scam that allowed an outside call to bypass the front desk to reach random hotel rooms. Posing as the front desk, the scammer told the guests that their credit card information had been lost and asked them to provide it again to cover their room charges. The caller hacked into the system by dialing to a direct extension and when the extension was forwarded to voicemail the caller hit the * (transfer) key and input a random room number. Twenty guests were reached in this fashion. The hotel was able to reprogram their phone system to prevent this from happening again, and we strongly recommend working with your phone service provider to take any necessary steps to protect against this type of scam.
New Diplomatic Tax Exemption Cards
The Department of State began issuing redesigned Diplomatic Tax Exemption Cards this month. The new cards have new security features, a new look and can be verified online. The older cards will only be valid through August 2011. Click here for a flyer on the changes or visit www.state.gov/ofm/tax/ for additional information.
Free Immigration and Customs Employer (ICE) Seminar
ICE will be hosting a free employer seminar in Seattle on July 26 to introduce a new streamlined program offering training to employers on Form I-9 Compliance, Document Fraud Awareness. Other tentative topics at the seminar include the benefits of enrollment in the ICE Mutual Agreement Government and Employers (IMAGE). This event will also provide an opportunity to speak with high level executives from ICE. Details are as follows:
Date: July 26, 2011
Time: 9am to 5pm
Location: Fairmont Olympic Hotel at 411 University St., Seattle, WA 98101
Please contact Lynda M. Buehring, Special Agent/A Group Supervisor WSE Unit
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), at Lynda.Buehring@dhs.gov or (206) 442-2232 if you plan to attend. If you are not from the Seattle area and would like to arrange a presentation in your area, please call Lynda.
Registration now open for WLA’s 2011 Convention, Trade Show and Casino Night
Connect, collaborate and create are the themes of our Annual Convention and Trade Show which takes place on Oct. 2-4 at Tulalip Casino Resort & Spa and includes cutting-edge workshops, expert forums, Stars of the Industry Awards and a fun Casino Night with a Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament. Please click here for details and to reserve your place.
