Last week I sent an email to all members warning them of scam phone calls that had been received by several members. A company is trying to sell hotel reservations for the Sheraton hotel in Kansas City. Apparently, the person on other end says: “I see you have not booked your room at the Sheraton for the EMDA Convention.” They say they only have a few rooms left, but can get you a special discounted rate.
This is NOT a valid offer — What they do not tell you, is their special discounted rate is actually higher than the actual rate of $149. Most of the time, the company does not ever make a reservation either.
The scam company is called “Exhibitors Hotel Reservations Services (EHRS)” and they are based out of Florida. Unfortunately, I think this kind of scam attempt is not going to stop – the companies change their names, and keep trying. I have sent a “cease and desist” letter to the company, and have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. I have also made the hotel aware of the scam attempt, as well as other industry associations and trade shows.
As we’ve done for the past several decades, convention registration and hotel reservations are made only through EMDA office or FEMA office.