It has been brought to our attention that individuals or third party agencies are contacting people claiming to represent the conference, citing that the room block is almost full and to offer their hotel reservation services.
To be clear, these individuals, or any third-party company claiming to represent Phages, ARE NOT IN ANY WAY affiliated with Phages, and are NOT authorized to use our name, the name of the conference, or the name of our conference hotels. Unfortunately, this can be a common occurrence for association meetings and conventions.
How do they operate?
Individuals aggressively cold-call and spam companies, usually exhibitors, but can target individuals with the concern of not having a hotel room available or a so-called large discount on the hotel room rate.
Once you’ve indicated interest, they will send you a contract or ask for your credit card details. Do not sign any document or provide your credit card details.
No one should contact you directly to book your hotel room or offer you a “special discounted conference rate.” If you receive one of these calls or emails, it is a scam. They are not affiliated with the conference. If you received a phone call or email from someone mentioning that “there is a problem with your hotel reservation at the conference hotel”, it is a scam and they are not affiliated with Phages.
How to book your room in a safe way?
Hotel reservations are only possible via the links found on the conference website or contacting the hotel directly.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Laura Richards at laura.richards@wisc.edu or (608) 265-6534.