SINGAPORE – An American woman travelled to Singapore claiming to be the sister of a Marriott associate to repeatedly obtain discounted room rates.
Kao Jane Zhao, 41, who obtained nearly $3,400 in discounts, pleaded guilty to a cheating charge involving more than $1,500.
Eight other charges, including those linked to the remaining amount, will be considered when she is sentenced in October. She has since made full restitution.
The court heard that in 2024, she was in the US when she went on classified advertisements website Craiglist and bought an Explore membership – a programme by hotel company Marriott Bonvoy – from an unknown seller for US$300 (S$380).
State Prosecuting Officer Zakir Hussain said Kao knew the seller had falsely stated in the Explore membership authorisation form that she was the sister of one Michael Melendez, a Marriott associate.
She also knew that only Marriott associates and their family members could receive discounted rates for their rooms at participating properties worldwide by presenting the “Explore by Marriott Bonvoy Program Authorisation Form” at the front desk.
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