It did work
As a marketing professional with a Siem Reap hotel in Cambodia I am well placed to give the views of hotel management.
1) There are an increasing number of scams in the hospitality business. These range from people representing themselves as journalists, travel-writers etc to people representing themselves as travel agents and other travel professionals to so-called Online Reservation web sites.
2) Fake ID cards are cheap and easy to obtain, especially in Asia. What is worrying is when a company can obtain valid travel agent certification and effectively sell it to thousands of scammers.
3) The scammers often ask for big discounts and free benefits. If the hotel or organisation is not so savvy and/or desperate for promotion, they are fooled and the scammers get what they want.
4) The real travel professionals are becoming increasingly aware of scams. A bit of internet research quickly reveals scam tactics and companies.
5) A real travel agent is an agent who deals in travel and hospitality business, i.e. generates significant business for hotels and other organisations, AT STANDARD RATES!!! The hotels etc give great deals to the agents so that they can experience their services and subsequently promote and sell them. Its a win-win situation.
Representing onesself as an agent with the intention of only taking advantage of the cheap deals is tantamount to fraud.
Inteletravel is a tool for people to get low low rates for its members. So low that the hotel etc does not make profit. As far as we can see, the members do not make bookings for people other than themselves and family at low rates. Therefore, there is no benefit to the hotel.
For all those looking to benefit from this scam... be warned, we are on to you.
Sorry guys...