How To Avoid Corporate Hospitality Scams

What you Need to Know to Avoid Being Scamed

Over the course of each year, businesses across the UK book VIP hospitality packages for premium access to some of the biggest live events of the year. From the thrill of the Guinness Six Nations to the glamour of Formula 1® and the excitement of the Cheltenham Festival, these experiences are unforgettable opportunities to entertain clients, reward employees, and make lasting memories.

Corinthian Sports guests with Esteban Ocon at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

However, as demand for these packages grows, so does the prevalence of scams in the corporate hospitality sector. Fraudulent operators prey on businesses and individuals eager to secure premium tickets, using sophisticated tactics to appear legitimate. At Corinthian Sports, maintaining the integrity of the hospitality industry is a key part of our ethos, and we want to help you stay vigilant.

Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.

Common tactics used by scammers

Fraudsters often go to great lengths to deceive potential customers. Here are some of the most common tricks they use:

• Impersonating Reputable Companies
  Scammers may spoof well-known corporate hospitality providers, like Corinthian Sports, by creating fake websites, email addresses, social media accounts, or mention that they work for the company over a phone call. They might use slight variations of a legitimate company’s name, logo, or branding to appear authentic. For example, they could use an email address like darren@corinthainsport.co.uk (with a slight typo or missing letter) to mimic the real business.
• Offering Unrealistically Low Prices
  Be wary of prices that seem far below market value. Fraudsters often lure in victims by advertising premium packages at rates that seem too good to be true – because they are.
• Demanding Untraceable Payment Methods
  Scammers frequently request payment through untraceable methods, such as bank transfers or cryptocurrency, rather than secure and traceable payment systems. This allows them to disappear without a trace once the transaction is complete. Methods can include bank transfers (wire transfers) which can be difficult to trace once the money leaves your account, prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, fake escrow services, money mules and more.
• Providing Fake Documentation
  Fraudsters might send forged documents, such as invoices or confirmation emails, to give the illusion of legitimacy. These documents may look professional but often contain subtle inconsistencies if you examine them closely.
• Avoiding Specific Details or Guarantees
  Scammers often provide vague or evasive answers when asked for specific details about the package, such as seating locations, what’s included, or proof of their official affiliation with the event.

What to do if you feel you’ve been scammed

If you suspect that you’ve fallen victim to a scam or have encountered fraudulent activity, it’s important to act quickly to protect yourself and recover your funds. Here’s what you should do:

• Stop All Communication Immediately
  As soon as you suspect something is wrong, cut off all communication with the scammer. Don’t engage further, as they may try to manipulate you into providing more information or sending money.
• Contact Your Bank or Payment Provider
  Inform your bank or payment provider immediately about the fraudulent transaction. Most banks have a dedicated fraud department where you can report the incident and seek advice on how to proceed. Check UK Finance Fraud Reporting: UK Finance Fraud Reporting
• Report the Scam to Action Fraud
  The UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting center, Action Fraud, is the place to report any type of fraud or cybercrime. This helps to alert authorities and other potential victims. Report Fraud to Action Fraud: Action Fraud Website. Contact Local Trading Standards – Trading Standards offices can provide advice and assistance if you believe you’ve been scammed, and they may also investigate fraud complaints. Report to Trading Standards: Citizens Advice – Trading Standards.
• Check Your Credit Report
  It’s wise to check your credit report regularly to ensure that no unauthorized transactions or accounts have been opened in your name. You can access your credit report through services like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
• Stay Informed
  Keep an eye on the latest scams and fraud warnings by visiting official government websites and consumer protection platforms: UK Government Scam Advice, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Scam Alerts

What makes Corinthian Sports stand out?

At Corinthian Sports, we pride ourselves on transparency, trust, and excellence. Here’s what sets us apart as an official corporate hospitality provider:

• Publicly Available Contact Information
  Our company information and contact details are easy to find on our website, including a dedicated About Us page with detailed information about our business, corporate hospitality packages and contact information. All our contact information is fully verified and constantly monitored by our team to ensure you can reach us with confidence.
• Verified Reviews on TrustPilot
  TrustPilot reviews are a key indicator of a businesses legitimacy. Each of our TrustPilot reviews carry a ‘Verified’ badge meaning they are from a genuine customer. Always make sure to check! Our reviews showcase our legitimacy and commitment to providing first-class hospitality experiences across a multitude of live events.
• Official Partnerships and Ambassadors
  Across our website, you’ll find official partnership logos for all our hospitality products. We’re featured as official providers on venue pages like Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Yas Marina Circuit, and more. We also work directly with brand ambassadors, including some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment, who personally vouch for our hospitality packages. From Ben Youngs and Toby Flood to Tom Scudamore, Sir Alastair Cook, and Phil Tufnell.
• Expert Knowledge and Dedicated Account Managers
  We’re hospitality experts, well-versed in every package we offer. With official package details and clear communication, you’ll always know exactly what you’re getting with us as well as having an assigned, dedicated Account Manager that will guide you through the booking process.
• Secure Payment Processes
  We have a dedicated Finance Department to ensure peace of mind when it comes to making payments. All bookings are processed through legitimate and secure payment gateways.

So to summarize, always make sure to:

• Double-check company details and contact information
• Read verified customer reviews on platforms like TrustPilot
• Avoid deals that sound too good to be true
• Be cautious of payment methods that can’t be traced
• Always choose a reputable company like Corinthian Sports!

Don’t leave your corporate hospitality plans to chance. Explore our official packages today and secure your place at the world’s most sought-after events with complete confidence!

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