The Nuclear Energy Institute is warning attendees to its upcoming conferences that scammers are trying to profit by misleading them about hotel availability at the events.

In a statement on its website, NEI said it has learned companies claiming to represent the association have been contacting attendees to say the hotels where the events are being held are completely booked. They then offer to book rooms at another hotel at a lower rate.

The scam is commonly known as hotel "pirating" or "poaching." NEI said no company is authorized to act on its behalf to book hotel rooms or provide other conference services.

"Note that companies engaging in these improper practices often also seek your credit card and personal information," NEI said. "This practice is intended to lead the event attendee to believe he or she has made an official reservation, but the reservation may not have been made despite the attendee's credit card having been charged."

NEI is encouraging attendees who receive poaching calls to contact the association. It is sending cease and desist letters to each company that has made such calls. http://bit.ly/1HDigTe

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