HOUSING ADVISORY NOTICE

As we continue preparing to welcome you to the PCA25 Trade Show, we want to send out a quick note to remind our members of ‘others’ who may spam your inbox with fake offers. Official hotel room block booking codes with discounted rates for our members will be sent out directly from us and not through any other vendor. The PCA does not work with 3rd party vendors. Any “deals” or “offers” that arrive in your inbox from an email address not associated with the PCA is spam and should be treated as such.

How to recognize phishing scams and housing pirates

Phishing scams and housing pirates have become a common occurrence surrounding major events, so we advise using caution and checking the complete email address from the sender before opening any email that may appear similar to ours. TIP: any email coming from PCA will come from [email protected] or have the staff member’s first name + @premiumcigars.org domain.

How to report a phishing scam and housing pirate

If you suspect an email is part of a phishing scam, report it to us immediately so we can take action! We will contact the vendor and post their name on this website so you can have confidence in who you are corresponding with.

As we get closer to the PCA25 Trade Show, we’ll be sending more information to let you know of trade show registration, the hotel room block, special show-only products, special events happening at the show, and all the other things to get you ready for an exceptional experience! We can’t wait to see you and celebrate with you at #PCA25!

What is a "housing pirate"?

Commonly referred to as “housing pirates” or “housing bandits,” these are companies that phone, fax or email attendees and exhibitors, claiming to offer good deals on hotel rooms. They may falsely claim to be affiliated with PCA.
No PCA-authorized organization will contact you about PCA Trade Show hotels or housing. Unless you have initiated the communication, please do not provide anyone with your personal information, especially your credit card number. If you provide your credit card information to one of these companies, your card may be charged and there is no guarantee you will have a room upon your arrival in New Orleans.

Reporting Fraud

If contacted by someone asking if you need a room at PCA or representing themselves as the “PCA Housing Bureau,” please:

  1. Get as much information as you can, such as the name of the company, the name of the person calling, company address, email address and their telephone number. The more information you are able to collect, the better for us to stop them from contacting others. If possible, please request information such as hotel availability and rates or have them send this information to you via email.
  2. Contact [email protected], with all the details you are able to provide.
2025 Current List of Scammers

PCA is not affiliated with the following companies for the 2025 Trade Show (Contract with them at your own risk):
WE WILL UPDATE AS WE HEAR ABOUT ANY SCAMMERS

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