Hotels continue to be targets for phone scams, and the tactics are getting more sophisticated. Scammers have recently called properties pretending to be owners, corporate staff, or IT support. Their goal is to trick team members into handing over credit card information, granting system access, or wiring money.
Common Scam Tactics
Pretending to be the owner or GM, using urgency to demand that money be sent or credit card information be shared.
Impersonating WHG IT support, asking for remote access to Shift4 or other systems—often during overnight or early morning hours.
Spoofing phone numbers, making it appear as if calls are coming from familiar WHG lines like 713-782-9100.
Using QR code or email scams, prompting employees to click malicious links disguised as password updates or email warnings.
Important: Never Use Personal Funds
Scammers have also asked employees to send money from their personal bank accounts or withdraw and transfer cash—claiming it's for an urgent hotel-related expense. This is never a legitimate request. WHG will never ask employees to use personal funds for business purposes. If someone asks for:
A transfer from your personal checking or savings account
A money order or wire transfer
Gift card purchases with your own money
End the call immediately and report it.
Red Flags to Watch For
Staying informed can help prevent these scams. Here are some warning signs to watch out for:
Requests for credit card numbers, gift cards, wire transfers, or cash withdrawals.
Pressure to act immediately or keep the call confidential.
Unprompted requests for remote access to computers or POS systems.
Calls from unfamiliar numbers claiming to be WHG staff or vendors.
Emails with QR codes or links asking to verify credentials.
What Employees Should Do
Everyone plays a role in protecting the property. If something feels off, trust your instincts and follow these steps:
Pause and verify. Ask for the caller’s name, company, and a callback number.
Never share passwords, payment info, or use your own money.
Don’t click unfamiliar QR codes or download anything without GM approval.
Inform a supervisor immediately if anything seems suspicious.
What Managers Can Do
Review phone scam scenarios during morning huddles.
Post a reminder sheet at the front desk with scam warning signs.
Make sure all staff, especially new hires and overnight employees, know what to do when they receive a suspicious call.
REMEMBER:
WHG will never ask you to send money anywhere other than your hotel’s bank account. WHG IT will only access your systems in response to a support ticket—you will never receive an unsolicited call for access. WHG will never ask you to use your personal funds.
If you receive a suspicious call or email:
Contact your GM, RDO, or IT Support at IT.Support@whg.com
Call the WHG IT Support Line at 713-933-0990
Report all caller information and details of the request
Resources
To reinforce secure practices and prevent data-related scams, team members are encouraged to complete the Data Protection Basics eLearning course available in WHG University. Data Protection Basics - eLearning