Consumer Alert: Holiday Party Scam

By: Consumer Reporter Tak Landrockt.landrock@krdo.com

COLORADO SPRINGS – This time of year is the bread and butter for many area restaurants, especially when it comes to holiday parties. NEWSCHANNEL 13 has learned that e-mails asking restaurants to reserve tables for one to three nights are really part of an elaborate scam to take money from the business.

The e-mail asks if there is availability for a party on certain night, when the owner responds yes, a second e-mail is sent out with financial information. The information asks the restaurant to charge a credit card for almost $18,000, but $3,000 of that needs to be wired back. Once the business owner realizes the credit card was used fraudulently the money is gone and the business becomes responsible for the entire amount, plus fees.

Oscar’s Pub Owner, Phil Duhmon, contacted NEWSCHANNEL 13 with the tip. He knew it was a scam, but wanted to warn other businesses.

If you have a news tip contact NEWSCHANNEL 13 at 575-6285