U.S.CRIME WATCH

Thousands stunned by insidious hotel scam

Thousands of travelers have fallen for the scam, with many saying they only realized what happened after the fact; check your receipt before the minibar.

On air: Rosa Ticks and Hank Ledger on BBN Crime Watch
Published 11:24 PM ET, Friday, October 16, 2026

At a glance

First reported by News.com.au: “‘COULDN’T BELIEVE IT’: Thousands stunned by insidious hotel scam”.
Covered on BBN on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 11:24 PM ET on BBN Crime Watch, by Rosa Ticks and Hank Ledger.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

News.com.au‘COULDN’T BELIEVE IT’: Thousands stunned by insidious hotel scam

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorNews.com.au reports thousands of travelers have been stunned by a hotel scam, with victims saying they couldn't believe it when they found out.
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterIT'S A QUIET LOBBY! Or it was!
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterAllegedly, the scam is so insidious that nobody notices until the bill, and the room smells like a free continental breakfast!
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorA free continental breakfast.
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterThousands of people, Hank!
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterEach one checked in smiling and checked out holding a receipt they did not understand! Who is behind the front desk?
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe details are thin, so we don't know yet who is behind anything.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorWhat we do know is that the only witness is a do not disturb sign.
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterAnd the pillow mint is a suspect!
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorI trust nobody now, and that includes the mint. Rex has sports, and he's rumored to book the cheapest hotel in every city.