In a bold move, a deceptive individual who cheated a hotel out of £800 by dining and leaving without paying resurfaced a year later to repeat her scheme, only to be identified by surprised staff.
The audacious con artist enjoyed a three-day stay at the upscale Diplomat Hotel in Llanelli, Wales, feasting on fish, steak, and wine before absconding without settling her £802.55 tab, leaving hotel staff incensed.
Returning to the Diplomat Hotel a year later, the brazen fraudster attempted to book a five-night stay but was recognized by a staff member who insisted on payment upfront. Despite her card being declined, the woman promised to contact her bank before abruptly leaving the premises, evading police intervention.
The hotel manager, Paul Jenkins, revealed that despite efforts to reach her, the woman had remained untraceable for over a year, raising concerns that she may have targeted other establishments in a similar manner.
When confronted upon recognition, the woman denied ever staying at the hotel, even though she had attempted to book a stay amounting to over £800. Jenkins emphasized the importance of vigilance among hoteliers, warning them to be wary of the scammer who had previously defrauded the Diplomat Hotel.
Describing a previous incident where the woman vanished without a trace after booking under a false corporate name, Jenkins expressed disappointment over the impact of such deceitful actions on struggling hospitality businesses post-Covid.
Efforts by Dyfed Powys police to identify the woman are ongoing, with a police representative confirming that inquiries are being carried out to track her down.