Understanding Marriott’s Latest Fraud Prevention Measures
Marriott has distributed new guidelines to its employees regarding Loyalty Program Risk management, introducing stricter protocols to prevent fraud and abuse within the Marriott Bonvoy program.
As specialists in hotel loyalty programs, we at EliteStatus.run have analyzed these changes to help you understand how they might affect your travel plans and loyalty program benefits. Here’s our comprehensive breakdown of what’s changing and how you can navigate these new policies while still maximizing your travel benefits.
Three Primary Types of Bonvoy Fraud Marriott Is Targeting
According to internal documents, Marriott has identified three main areas of concern:
- Account Takeover/Stolen Points
- Member Abuse of Terms & Conditions
- Associate Abuse
Let’s examine each of these areas and what they mean for travelers.
1. Account Takeover and Points Theft: High-Risk Activity to Avoid
Account security has become a top priority for Marriott, with significant resources dedicated to preventing unauthorized access to member accounts and protecting points balances.
What Marriott is monitoring:
- Suspicious login patterns
- Multiple accounts accessing from the same device
- Sudden transfers of large quantities of points
- Unusual redemption activity that doesn’t match historical patterns
Our perspective: At EliteStatus.run, we’ve always emphasized account security. We never manipulate points, or engage in any activities that could compromise account security. These practices carry an extremely high risk of account closure and potential legal consequences.
Instead, we focus exclusively on legitimate methods to help you earn status and maximize benefits within program guidelines. Your account security should always be your top priority.
2. Mobile Check-In and Mobile Key: The Hidden Risks of DIY “Mattress Runs”
One of the most significant changes in Marriott’s approach involves enhanced scrutiny of mobile check-in processes and mobile key usage.
New Marriott protocols include:
- Three-step validation process for mobile check-ins
- Verification of “past stay history” for standard members
- Enhanced systematic risk evaluation for guests requesting mobile keys
- ID verification and secured payment method requirements
- Special verification for government, corporate, and promotional rates
Why this matters for “mattress runs”: Many travelers attempt DIY “mattress runs” (booking stays without physically being present) to accumulate elite night credits. With these new protocols, hotels are increasingly likely to flag these stays as suspicious, resulting in:
- Stays not being recorded in your account
- Elite night credits being denied
- Potential account flags for suspicious activity
Our solution: This is precisely why EliteStatus.run works exclusively with partner hotels where we have established relationships for our mattress run services. Our approach guarantees that:
- Check-in and check-out processes occur without issues
- Stays are properly recorded in your account
- You receive all eligible elite night credits
- No customer action is required at any point in the process
Generally Speaking, We handle all aspects of the stay to ensure it complies with Marriott’s requirements while delivering the status-qualification benefits you need.
3. Employee Rates and Friends & Family Authorization: Verification Is Essential
Perhaps the most relevant change for many travelers involves Marriott’s enhanced scrutiny of employee rates and friends & family discounts.
Key changes to Marriott’s approach:
- Authorization forms must be verified
- Guest names must match the authorization exactly
- Non-expired forms are required
- Name changes to Explore Rate reservations must be made with caution
- ID verification at check-in is strictly enforced
The risks of unauthorized discounts: Marriott’s internal guidance specifically calls out “explore rate validation” as a key focus area. Hotels are instructed to carefully verify authorization forms and ensure the guest name matches exactly. Attempting to use unauthorized employee or friends & family codes can result in:
- Being denied the discounted rate at check-in
- Paying the full rack rate (often significantly higher)
- Potential flags on your Bonvoy account
Our commitment: At EliteStatus.run, we provide only legitimate, authorized employee and friends & family rate codes. Our service includes:
- 100% authentic employee authorizations
- Valid documentation that passes all verification checks
- Personalized forms matching your ID exactly
- Long-term support throughout your stay
- Peace of mind knowing your reservation is legitimate
How Loyalty Program Risk Affect Different Types of Travelers
| Traveler Type | Impact of New Policies | Our Recommended Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Business Travelers | Enhanced scrutiny of corporate rates and mobile check-in | Use legitimate status challenges; consider elite status acceleration services |
| Leisure Travelers | Stricter verification of discounted rates and redemptions | Access authorized friends & family rates through trusted providers |
| Status Chasers | Higher risk for DIY mattress runs and unauthorized methods | Use professional mattress run services with established hotel partnerships |
| Points Maximizers | Increased monitoring of points activities and transfers | Focus on legitimate earning methods; avoid points manipulation schemes |
Why Professional Assistance Matters More Than Ever
With Marriott’s enhanced fraud prevention measures, attempting to “game the system” through unauthorized methods carries greater risk than ever before. Hotels are being trained to identify suspicious activities, with specific protocols for escalation to the Loyalty Program Risk team.
Working with a reputable provider like EliteStatus.run ensures that:
- All services comply with program terms and conditions
- Your account remains in good standing
- You receive the benefits you’re paying for without complications
- Your travel plans proceed smoothly without check-in surprises
Conclusion: Navigating Marriott’s New Landscape Safely
Marriott’s enhanced fraud prevention measures represent a significant shift in how the company manages its loyalty program integrity. While these changes make unauthorized methods more risky, they don’t eliminate legitimate opportunities to maximize your travel benefits.
At EliteStatus.run, we remain committed to providing services that operate within program guidelines while delivering exceptional value. Our established relationships with hotel partners, legitimate authorization processes, and transparent approach ensure that you can still enjoy elite benefits, discounted rates, and elevated travel experiences without putting your account at risk.
Whether you’re interested in accelerating your path to elite status, accessing employee rates, or completing qualifying stays efficiently, we offer safe, effective solutions adapted to Marriott’s evolving policies.
Ready to enhance your travel experience legitimately? Explore our Marriott services and discover how we can help you navigate these changes while maximizing your benefits.
Disclaimer: EliteStatus.run is not affiliated with Marriott International. This analysis is based on publicly available information and is subject to change as policies evolve.