I don't know. Of course there are always people out there scamming for a few bucks. My parents are world travelers so they could easily bring bed bugs with them unintentionally. The first time was at the Marriott Waikiki. The hotel was honest, said the bed was covered/deep in the bedding, and they were quick to handle it. My step-dad had bites but nothing major. The second time, 18 months later, was at a Residence Inn in the Bay Area. Again, hotel was quick to admit and not play games. In fact, the hotel seemed genuinely concerned about her well being. My mom had such bad reactions she ended up in the emergency room (as I stated above). She is not looking for money though she could easily hire a personal injury attorney and get money rather than points. It's not her style. A couple free nights at the hotel was offered and that's all she wants as she needs to be down at Stanford again. She had major reactions that second time. I won't post the photos but they are unbelievable; huge welts! Bed bugs are a very common problem.