SCAM WARNING FOR ACCOMMODATION PROVIDERS

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe today issued a warning to accommodation providers in NSW about a credit card scam targeting their industry.

Mr Stowe said Fair Trading had today received a report from a Woronora member of the Caravan and Camping Industry Association caught in the scam.

It works like this: a so called customer contacted the caravan park via email to book 10 nights’ accommodation.

A quote was provided to the customer, who confirmed they would like to book.

The customer provided two credit card numbers via email and asked the park to charge each card 50 percent.

The first card transaction went through with no problems, however it was a stolen card.

The second card transaction was declined.  The caravan park advised the customer of this.

The customer then advised she wanted to cancel the booking.  She said her husband had died suddenly and she could not travel.

The caravan park advised they would cancel the booking and refund the money they had already paid minus a cancellation fee.

The customer confirmed this arrangement was suitable but asked the park to refund the amount to another credit card and/or account because the credit card was recently stolen.

The Park processed the refund to the credit card details provided.

The caravan park’s bank detected the scam because of the reported stolen credit card and the transaction to the account.

The bank advised the caravan park they were one of many caravan/holiday parks stung by the scam, including one at Fraser Island in Queensland.

Commissioner Stowe said the agency was committed to protecting business in the fight against scammers.

“Scammers are a scourge on society and all caravan, camping, tourist park and other accommodation providers should be alert to this particular scam,” he said. “Fair Trading is making enquiries about this scam.”