Latest Restaurant Scams: Identity Criminals Pose as Restaurants and Ask for Your Credit Card Details

• According to OpenTable, there is an increase in restaurant scams targeting people who may have used the restaurant app. However, the scam does not only apply to people who have used OpenTable.
• Identity criminals have been calling people claiming to be from a restaurant, asking for credit card details. The caller claims it is for a refund or deposit. However, it is to steal your financial information.
• To avoid the scam, hang up and call the restaurant directly to see if your information is needed. OpenTable also encourages anyone who receives a suspicious call regarding a reservation to email [email protected].
• If you have additional questions about the latest restaurant scams or believe you were the victim of an identity crime, contact the Identity Theft Resource Center toll-free by phone (888.400.5530) or live chat on the company website idtheftcenter.org.

Restaurant scams are nothing new. The hospitality sector is a sector that identity criminals have always targeted. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center’s (ITRCs) data breach data, there were six data breaches in Q1 of 2023 in the hospitality sector, impacting over 176,000 people. In 2022, there were 34 compromises that led to over 69 million victims.

OpenTable is sounding the alarm about a new restaurant scam twist that targets people who may have used the app that helps make restaurant reservations. Anyone who has used the app should be wary of requests for credit card details. Many restaurant owners also want the public to know they rarely, if ever, ask for credit card information for reservations online.

Who Are the Targets?

Diners; people who use OpenTable or make restaurant reservations online

What is the Scam?

In this restaurant scam, you get a call claiming to be from a restaurant. The “restaurant” requests a refund or deposit and asks you for your credit card information. The identity criminals may try and trick you into thinking there is a sense of urgency and play on your emotions. The only information OpenTable typically asks for is your name, email address and phone number so the restaurant can contact you if something changes with your reservation.

What they Want

Identity criminals are looking to steal your credit card details in hopes they can commit an array of financial identity crimes.

How to Avoid Being Scammed

• Hang up. If you get a call from a restaurant asking for credit card information, don’t give out any personal information. Instead, get off the call.
• Go directly to the source. Once you hang up, call the restaurant directly to verify the validity of the phone call.
• Report a suspicious call. Open Table asks anyone who receives a suspicious phone call regarding a reservation to notify them via email at [email protected]. You can also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by visiting ftc.gov.
• Change your password. While it is not necessary, it’s not a bad idea for users of OpenTable to change their password if they receive a scam call about a reservation. Unique 12+ character passphrases will keep your account more secure.

Contact the ITRC

If you have additional questions about the latest restaurant scams or believe you were the victim of an identity crime, contact us. You can speak with an ITRC expert advisor toll-free by phone (888.400.5530) or live chat on the company website. Just visit www.idtheftcenter.org to get started.