Getting a last-minute booking is always a wonderful boost for the day, but when a guest pays via an EFT right before they arrive, it can leave you wondering if the funds are actually secure. Because digital proofs of payment (POP) can unfortunately be faked, we want to help you spot the red flags so you can feel steady, supported, and completely in control of your front desk.
The familiar rhythm to watch out for
Most of these fraudulent bookings follow a very similar pattern.
They usually start with a same-day or very late booking (often around 10:00 PM), and the guest arrives shortly after, presenting a proof of payment that hasn't reflected in your bank account yet. In some unfortunate cases, properties only realise the money never arrived after the guest has left, sometimes resulting in stolen items or a stressful situation for the staff.
Warning signs to pause on
One of these signs on its own might be completely innocent, but if you notice a few of them together, it is definitely worth a second look:
- The guest's name and their email address don't quite match.
- Their phone number looks unusual, made up, or sequential (like 012 345 6789).
- They seem in a massive hurry when they arrive or actively avoid talking about the payment.
A quick tip: These attempts often happen during busy long weekends or local events when your reception is bustling. When things are busy, that is the perfect time to take a deep breath, pause, and double-check!
Simple steps to keep your property safe
You can stop a problem before the guest even reaches your front door with a few quick checks:
- Send a Guest Registration link: Requesting their information via a Guest Registration link upfront is a fantastic way to naturally deter fraudsters before they arrive.
- Give them a quick call: A friendly chat to confirm their estimated arrival time is a wonderful, polite way to verify that their contact number is real.
- Trust your bank statement: A POP only shows a transfer was started. Your actual bank statement is the only true confirmation. Only proceed once you see the funds reflect in your account.
The Golden Rule: No funds, no keys
If the money isn't in your account yet, simply explain that your property policy requires the payment to clear before you can hand over the room keys. Be polite, warm, and welcoming, but stay firm. A legitimate guest will completely understand that you have a business to run; a fraudster usually won't.
A simple way to skip the stress entirely
If you want to bypass the risk of EFT fraud entirely, NightsBridge Pay is a fantastic option. It handles secure, instant card payments automatically so you never have to chase up an EFT again!
Interested in a NightsBridge Pay solution? Click HERE!