The entire time -- they are trying to book you full price. The hotel loses, because they cannot give you discounts -- they either get the sale or lose it alltogether.
How is that not considered fraud? You're falsifying your identity as an employee for services you cannot provide in order to collect a fee as a middle man.
But now that you mention it, during this absurd time I actually called the number of a Thai restaurant I frequented before by searching it on yelp only to get a dead dial tone. I always suspected they were just busy as they were still doing rather well all things considered, but the woman at the counter (a local baker in my town helping out her friends in the evenings) said she never got a single call when I showed up and ordered in person and talked shop of her new kitchen that got put on hold.
Me: "Hi I'm trying to reach Marriott at Fisherman's Wharf, do I have the right number"
Them: "I can help you with that" (note the evasive answer)
Me: "Great, I have an Accenture corporate discount and this is for work, can you use corporate code XYZ123"
Them: "I dont see that on my system" (not a lie I suppose, but definitely not the truth)
Me: "OK well i have a client engagement Tues-Thurs and I need to book ASAP, what is your best rate? Do you have a AAA rate?"
Them: "You're lucky I can lock you in at {absurdly high price} - can i have your credit card"