World · Singapore Bureau
Woman fined for hotel discount scam posing as staff member's relative
A woman has been fined $5,000 after pleading guilty to fraudulently obtaining nearly $3,400 in hotel discounts by impersonating the sister of a Marriott associate. The cheating charge involved losses exceeding $1,500.
LSN Singapore ·
Kao Jane Zhao admitted to the fraudulent scheme in court, which saw her gain unauthorized discounts at a Marriott property by misrepresenting her identity and relationship to an employee of the hotel chain. The deception allowed her to secure substantial savings on accommodation over an unspecified period. Court documents indicate that Zhao's actions resulted in losses of more than $1,500 to the hotel operator, though the total value of discounts she obtained reached approximately $3,400. The case underscores vulnerabilities in hotel employee discount systems and highlights the authorities' commitment to prosecuting hospitality fraud. Zhao's guilty plea to the cheating charge has resulted in the $5,000 financial penalty, marking the conclusion of the legal proceedings against her.