Most Hotels rely on all kinds of digital platforms. With Social Media, apps, and new software developments, we have more tools than ever to reach clients and keep Hotels running smoothly. Along with the benefits, digital technology also has its risks, though. Internet scams are rampant, and if your Hotel falls prey to one, it can bring your operations to a halt.
With any internet scam, the primary risk is the loss of your Hotel’s data. Employees need to know what to do in case a data breach ever occurs. If this ever happens, be prepared to act fast with the help of a digital forensic specialist. Firms like Secure Forensics, for instance, can determine the source of a problem and stop it right away to prevent further damage. They can also preserve your data and do an analysis to help you avoid a similar breach happening in the future.
What to Watch Out For
Of course, you also need to know what kind of scams you’re up against to prevent this from happening in the first place. These are a few of the most common scams that target businesses.
- Phishing: Phishing scams are rampant, and they usually involve links or attachments received by email that can result in data loss if they are opened or downloaded. Anyone can be the target of phishing, but Business.com explains how small businesses may be especially vulnerable to a scam called spear phishing. With this type of attack, a person or group is targeted, as opposed to the random nature of regular phishing. Many times, the email will appear to be from a coworker or even the company’s CEO, asking for money or protected information like passwords.
- Tech Support Scams: A newer variation on spear phishing, Fox News explains how tech support scams target employees by posing as tech support in an attempt to gain access to your computer data. The criminals may appear as representatives of your own company’s tech support or as representatives from other companies.
- Invoice Scams: Watch out for invoice scams, where your company receives what seems to be a legitimate invoice, but it is really for services or products you haven’t received. Some common invoice scams include requests for directory listings or office supplies.
- Industry-Specific Scams: You should also be aware of scams that target your particular type of business. For example, freelancers in industries such as web design or photography may have someone approach you posing as a potential client. After requesting details for a proposal, they will often seem eager to pay a large fee for services, with the end goal of conning you into issuing a refund for overpayment. E-commerce businesses are often targeted in similar ways.
How to Spot a Scam
As a Hotel owner or manager, your best line of defense is to educate yourself, and your employees, about how to spot these scams and avoid becoming a victim. Train your employees to use these guidelines for all emails and other communication:
- If an email ever seems suspicious (bad spelling and grammar are common in phishing emails, along with warnings or claims that you’ve won a prize), have them alert a designated person within your company right away. It’s also a good idea to have a policy that employees should never click any link from an email.
- Establish a company-wide policy to never request or send personal or sensitive information over email. This way, employees know that any such request from someone in your company is likely fraudulent.
- Establish procedures for invoices and expenditures, and ensure that invoices are paid only when you have verified that services or products have been ordered and delivered.
Overall, all employees should act with an abundance of caution, as some scammers are really good at making their messages seem legitimate. As long as we operate our businesses using digital tools, there is always the potential to be targeted by fraud. Establishing good policies and training your employees to be vigilant truly is the best defense in protecting your Hotel.
When a breach occurs
If your Hotel should become a victim of a data breach, then it is critical to take appropriate measurements.
Make sure you have a proper alert system in place that informs both your Hotels team members and customers.
And it is critical that your Hotel is as transparent as possible, provide customers with a checklist of actions steps to take.
The Federal Trade Commission will collaborate with your Hotel to take proper measurements and inform guest and customers.
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About the author
Are Morch is the founder and owner of Are Morch – Hotel Marketing Coach. Get more from Are on Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Instagram| Podcast
