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We've had many reports about a scam that victimizes unsuspecting B&B owners. Here's what happens, as described by a BBOnline member innkeeper in Oklahoma City:

"We got a fraud check for $3500.00. Guy from England made reservations for 12 days, for $1200 plus tax. Said his company accidently sent $3500 and wanted us to provide him a check for the difference."

Here's how it works: A prospective guest emails to reserve an extended stay of a week or two. In one recent report, the prospect said she was traveling from England on business for two weeks. Another scammer claimed to be a tennis star planning a week of vacation with meals and massages. Several innkeepers have reported a variation that has a travel agent booking on behalf of a customer. One group of innkeepers discovered through an email discussion that several of them had received similar reservations for a religious retreat from the same person.

Next, a message comes that the check for the stay is on the way - in some cases it arrives at the inn first - but the amount is substantially more than the total cost of the stay. The scammer instructs the innkeeper to cash it and send the excess to someone: sometimes a (bogus) rental car company, sometimes back to the "guest." Another variation involves an advance reservation with a big check for payment in full, and a sudden emergency requiring cancellation and a refund - paid from your funds before before the check clears. One innkeeper received a big check via Fedex; she contacted the issuing bank and discovered the account was fraudulent (as all of them are, most likely). Obviously, the scammer wants you to send out YOUR money before you discover the bad news.

     http://www.naag.org/ag/full_ag_table.php

look up your state banking department here:

     http://www.csbs.org/links/state_links.asp

     http://www.occ.treas.gov