Tea at the Ritz diners targeted by credit card scammers

Scammers have targeted guests of Tea at the Ritz, the Ritz Hotel’s iconic dining venue, after posing as staff in order to steal card payment information over the phone.

According to the BBC, the scammers, who had the guest’s exact booking information, called diners to confirm their card details. They then attempted to use the data to purchase items from high street retailer Argos.

The Ritz is now investigating the “potential data breach” and has also informed the Information Commissioner’s Office. The BBC said it is still unclear how the scammers were able to obtain the information.

Earlier this year, the iconic hotel was sold to an unnamed Qatari investor by the billionaire twins Sir Frederick and Sir David Barclay for an undisclosed sum.

The news came after the hotel announced its closure for the first time in its 114 year history last Friday (27 March) due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The new owner was advised on the sale by law firm Macfarlanes.