A bold con artist who cheated a hotel out of £800 by dining and dashing made a daring return a year later – only to be identified by surprised staff. The audacious scammer enjoyed three days at the rural hotel, indulging in fish, steak, and wine before leaving without paying her £802.55 bill. Hotel employees at the Diplomat Hotel in Llanelli, Wales, were left angered by the guest’s disappearance without settling her charges.
A year later, the shameless scammer tried to book a five-night stay at the same hotel, but an observant staff member recognized her and insisted on immediate payment. Despite claiming she would contact her bank, the woman left the premises before the police could be alerted. Hotel manager Paul Jenkins expressed concern that she might have targeted other establishments as well.
When the woman attempted to deny her previous stay at the hotel upon recognition, Jenkins confronted her. Her card declined when the staff tried to process payment for the upcoming stay. Jenkins urged other hoteliers to remain cautious of the scammer who had previously defrauded the Diplomat Hotel. He emphasized the need for vigilance within the hospitality industry.
Mr. Jenkins recounted the previous incident where the woman vanished after booking under a false corporate name, leaving the hotel staff puzzled. Following the challenges faced by the hospitality sector due to the pandemic, Jenkins stressed the importance of all bills being settled promptly.
Efforts are underway by Dyfed Powys police to identify the woman involved in these fraudulent activities. The authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing to track down the individual.