These are the god send for both the hotels and criminals.

If you do get a funny credit card and it comes up to call the authorisation center, DO IT! 

• Keep the person talking, make a joke about them spending a lot for a change, hence the phone call. This does happen a lot a Christmas time. We have known for receptionist to drop credit cards down the back of the desk to delay the person.

• Your premises will have a special code for 'funny' cards. When you make the call in front of a person, use it in a phrase, don't say 'err, I need a code x, I have a stolen card'.
• Check the card thoroughly. If you have a stolen card then the card people will probably quietly call the police for you, they will tell you to check the person in and give you a special code for the machine, while the go faster taxi heads for you.
  
• If the signature card is scratched and unreadable, take no chances, call even if it does go through the machine. There is a big myth that a found credit card gives you £50, this lead to people stealing cards or 'holding' them at reception. This does not happen any more. You now only get the money if the 'declined keep card' message comes up. Sorry!
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Thankfully in the days of Chip and Pin, the most common form of fraud and theft is via 3rd Party credit cards forms. If you dont see the card, don't take the booking