What should I do? Someone is using my acct #
Jul 13, 2011, 1:57 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: S Cal
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, United Silver, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,142
What should I do? Someone is using my acct #
I find this pretty odd. I have quite a number of points/miles programs with a variety of airlines and hotel chains. But I'm having an issue with Priority Club.
I received an email yesterday from Priority Club that I have a 4-night reservation at a Holiday Inn Express beginning on July 16. The only problem is that I did not make this reservation and I have no plans to visit this hotel. Someone else gave PC my account number, so PC assigned the reservation to me.
I phoned PC last night. So I know that this is not an award reservation (that would use my points) - the party will be paying for this hotel stay. The room is being held with a credit card, and I did learn that the last 4 digits of the credit card do not match any of my cards. They were unable or unwilling to release any other information.
So this is pretty creepy. I could sit back and collect the points for the stay, which I assume may be credited to my account. I asked the CSR about changing my PC account number, but they did not want to do that. Perhaps this is someone who is making an innocent mistake and simply gave PC the wrong account number when they made the reservation. If I allow dark thoughts to enter my mind, perhaps this is my ex-wife (who might know my account number and address) - in the event that it is the ex, I changed the phone number in my PC account to a number that she would not know. The CSR assured me that if anyone calls representing to be me, they would have to provide my name, address, and a correct phone numaber for verification.
Anyone have this happen before? Any advice about what to do?
I received an email yesterday from Priority Club that I have a 4-night reservation at a Holiday Inn Express beginning on July 16. The only problem is that I did not make this reservation and I have no plans to visit this hotel. Someone else gave PC my account number, so PC assigned the reservation to me.
I phoned PC last night. So I know that this is not an award reservation (that would use my points) - the party will be paying for this hotel stay. The room is being held with a credit card, and I did learn that the last 4 digits of the credit card do not match any of my cards. They were unable or unwilling to release any other information.
So this is pretty creepy. I could sit back and collect the points for the stay, which I assume may be credited to my account. I asked the CSR about changing my PC account number, but they did not want to do that. Perhaps this is someone who is making an innocent mistake and simply gave PC the wrong account number when they made the reservation. If I allow dark thoughts to enter my mind, perhaps this is my ex-wife (who might know my account number and address) - in the event that it is the ex, I changed the phone number in my PC account to a number that she would not know. The CSR assured me that if anyone calls representing to be me, they would have to provide my name, address, and a correct phone numaber for verification.
Anyone have this happen before? Any advice about what to do?
Jul 13, 2011, 4:12 pm
#3
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,233
The obvious choice is to call again and get everything straightened out. That is what I would do.
Just curious......can you see the reservation online with the confirmation #? If yes, you should be able to see the name/names that are listed in the reservation.
Just curious......can you see the reservation online with the confirmation #? If yes, you should be able to see the name/names that are listed in the reservation.
Jul 13, 2011, 6:05 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: S Cal
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, United Silver, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,142
I've called Priority Club twice - first the reservation line, and then Guest Relations (800-621-0555).
The reservation clerk did zip. The rep at Guest Relations was more helpful. He advised putting some documentation in what he called their "corporate system" that this has happened. If it were to happen again, there will therefore be a clear record in my account that something fishy is going on. We discussed canceling the reservation, but it is possible that it is a simple and innocent error on someone's part (maybe they mis-spoke their PC account number, and that may get corrected at check-in). I didn't want someone to show up and be out of luck for a room if it's an innocent error.
Yes, I can see the rogue reservation online if I sign on to the ICH website (along with a legit reservation that I've made for myself later this year).
The CSR in Guest Relations was only able to tell me that the reservation was made using my PC account number, so my name/address/phone are automatically attached to it by their system (and that's how I got that automated email just the other day). The rep couldn't see the name of the person who made it or anything else that might have been a clue. I also don't see anthing more when I check my PC account online.
Because ICH hotels do send an automated email for reservations, I'm hoping that I'll be able to pick up if there is any funny business in the future.
Changing my password is probably a good idea (though that will be yet another darn password to try to remember). Changing the password would stop someone from hacking my account online, but I don't think it would stop someone from trying to make a reservation by phone. I think I mentioned above that I've already changed the phone number that ICH hotels has for me.
The reservation clerk did zip. The rep at Guest Relations was more helpful. He advised putting some documentation in what he called their "corporate system" that this has happened. If it were to happen again, there will therefore be a clear record in my account that something fishy is going on. We discussed canceling the reservation, but it is possible that it is a simple and innocent error on someone's part (maybe they mis-spoke their PC account number, and that may get corrected at check-in). I didn't want someone to show up and be out of luck for a room if it's an innocent error.
Yes, I can see the rogue reservation online if I sign on to the ICH website (along with a legit reservation that I've made for myself later this year).
The CSR in Guest Relations was only able to tell me that the reservation was made using my PC account number, so my name/address/phone are automatically attached to it by their system (and that's how I got that automated email just the other day). The rep couldn't see the name of the person who made it or anything else that might have been a clue. I also don't see anthing more when I check my PC account online.
Because ICH hotels do send an automated email for reservations, I'm hoping that I'll be able to pick up if there is any funny business in the future.
Changing my password is probably a good idea (though that will be yet another darn password to try to remember). Changing the password would stop someone from hacking my account online, but I don't think it would stop someone from trying to make a reservation by phone. I think I mentioned above that I've already changed the phone number that ICH hotels has for me.
Jul 13, 2011, 6:10 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: USA
Programs: DL PM - IC RA - HHonors Gold - Hertz Gold - AA - US - CO - Choice Privileges
Posts: 1,661
The entire ICH system was down for two days! Did the IHC staff both to mention the ICH system was down for two days and all reservations were completed via phone? No one at IHC will take ownership of the issue so you must take ownership of the issue. Log on and cancel the reservation so you are not charged for a no show.
Jul 13, 2011, 6:47 pm
#7
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,586
The entire ICH system was down for two days! Did the IHC staff both to mention the ICH system was down for two days and all reservations were completed via phone? No one at IHC will take ownership of the issue so you must take ownership of the issue. Log on and cancel the reservation so you are not charged for a no show.
Dave
Jul 13, 2011, 8:35 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,233
The CSR in Guest Relations was only able to tell me that the reservation was made using my PC account number, so my name/address/phone are automatically attached to it by their system (and that's how I got that automated email just the other day). The rep couldn't see the name of the person who made it or anything else that might have been a clue. I also don't see anthing more when I check my PC account online.
Strange story......Best of luck....
Jul 13, 2011, 11:11 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Capetown
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Plat, IHG and Hilton Diamond, LH SEN, BA Gold
Posts: 10,167
Most likely the same name and somebody attached the number to the reservation. Happened to me quite a few times and I had no reason to complain.
Jul 13, 2011, 11:22 pm
#10
Join Date: May 2004
Location: RDU
Programs: Delta Platinum, USAirways Silver, Hyatt Gold, Marriott Silver, Omni Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 28
I've had this happen once before and it was a non-event. That it was attached to my PC account didn't attach the credit card info. Never saw the points, so I presume it was corrected at check in by whoever was really staying there. There's about zero chance it was someone else with my name.
Jul 13, 2011, 11:54 pm
#12
Join Date: May 1998
Location: australia
Posts: 5,762
I wouldn't assume a benign outcome. While it is almost certainly an innocent mistake, I have checked in and found that the reservation was in the correct name but the address and PC number of some other 3544quebec was in the system. If the reservation is in your account another GetawaysRus will not be able to view the reservation or cancel it. I have just had the HI Brussels Airport post a stay to my account for a date that I was in Brisbane. While I appreciate the 4853 pts I don't take kindly to the 135 Euro that has been charged to my credit card. And to top it off Amex tell me that since I had a stay at the hotel 6 months ago its not fraud but a merchant error and the responsibility is mine to correct the erroneous charge!
I don't think you should feel any responsibility to either IHG or the other GetawaysRus when it may land you with a charge to your CC which will involve more hassle for you to resolve
I don't think you should feel any responsibility to either IHG or the other GetawaysRus when it may land you with a charge to your CC which will involve more hassle for you to resolve
Jul 14, 2011, 12:21 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
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Jul 14, 2011, 9:33 am
#14
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA LifeTime PLT (2.982 MM, But 3MM+ Total), HHonors GOLD, IHG AMB
Posts: 787
Changing my password is probably a good idea (though that will be yet another darn password to try to remember). Changing the password would stop someone from hacking my account online, but I don't think it would stop someone from trying to make a reservation by phone. I think I mentioned above that I've already changed the phone number that ICH hotels has for me.
I would treat it as such, rather than worry about what numbers you would have to remember later on. Outrageous. Good luck.
Spock Seat.