Company uncovers 300 illegal memberships

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - PHR Ken Asset Management, Inc. believes there were more than 300 victims of a fraudulent scheme that dealt with their Premier Club membership cards, vouchers and certificates.  The scheme was uncovered back in January and resulted in the temporary suspension of the Loyalty Club Program.  

Two of PHR's employees were allegedly selling the membership cards and vouchers outside of the Premier Club Membership Office. KUAM News has confirmed that K'leen Cepeda and Jolene Mantanona were no longer employed with the company and were no longer affiliated with the program. During the suspension period, PHR was able to identify the cards and vouchers that were issued unlawfully and determined that membership packets were issued for cash without any documentation and at a "special" reduced price.

PHR noted in a press release that the membership packets were issued illegally and without the company's knowledge or consent. The illegally issued membership packets are being withheld for evidence and the Guam Police Department continues to investigate those who were involved in issuing the memberships.  As a result of the fraudulent scheme, PHR has issued a privilege membership for the hundreds who were victimized. 

The company, however, will no longer issue Premier Club Guam memberships for the remainder of the year and intend to offer a membership package to begin next year.  GPD has not made any arrests yet in the case.

PHR Ken Asset Company owns five hotel properties including the Sheraton, the Hilton, PIC, Hyatt, and Nikko.