Unauthorized Hotel Reservation Solicitations Targeting Event Attendees
FEMA is warning members about fraudulent calls and emails from individuals posing as third-party hotel resellers. These scammers are targeting event attendees with offers to book hotel reservations through unofficial channels.
FEMA DOES NOT work with any resellers and cannot guarantee your room if you book outside the official negotiated room block.
Members are urged not to respond to these solicitations and never share personal or payment information with any 3rd party. Please let us know about suspicious contact by contacting the FEMA office at 314-878-2304.
Event-Booking Scams – How They Work, How Widespread They Are, and What You Should Do
Fraudulent “hotel reservation” offers are a well-known problem in the events industry and unfortunately our association is not immune. Scammers pose as official housing providers, reaching out to attendees with claims of special rates or limited-time deals. These offers often result in inflated costs, hidden fees, or no booking at all. Research from industry groups shows billions lost annually to misleading third-party bookings.
Why It Happens
This scam relies on impersonation—using lookalike branding, spoofed email domains, and urgent sales pitches—to pressure attendees into paying quickly through unverified channels.
What’s Being Done
The FTC has introduced a Government and Business Impersonation Rule to target scammers misusing logos, spoofing domains, or falsely claiming affiliation. Event associations are also issuing cease-and-desist letters, publishing public warnings, and advising attendees to book only through official channels.
Best Practices for Attendees
- Book only through the official event website or verified contacts.
- Treat unsolicited booking offers with caution.
- Never provide payment details to unverified sources.
- Report suspicious outreach to event organizers promptly.