Carding 🏨 Chapter 23: Ghost Stays – How Fraudsters Secure Hotel Rooms Without Paying

[hoheajaunn336]

---

Practical Techniques for High-Success Transactions in the Hospitality Sector

This chapter presents a comprehensive framework for booking hotel accommodations without utilizing personal funds. Emphasis is placed on the strategic use of unauthorized payment methods to maximize booking success while mitigating risks.

---

Primary Methods of Booking Hotels Without Direct Payment

There are four primary methods to secure hotel accommodations through alternative means:

1. Payment through Credit Card Authorization Forms
2. Payment via Credit Card (CC) through an Agent
3. Payment via Booking Platforms (e.g., Booking.com)
4. Payment via Rewards and Loyalty Points

Each method carries its own procedural requirements, risk factors, and mitigation strategies. Below is an in-depth guide to each approach.

---

1. Payment through Credit Card Authorization Forms (CCAF)

What Is a Credit Card Authorization Form?

A Credit Card Authorization Form (CCAF) is a document used by hotels to receive explicit consent from a cardholder to charge their card remotely. It typically contains the following fields:

• Cardholder’s Name

• Guest’s Name

• Billing Address

• Credit Card Number

• Expiry Date

• CVV

• Duration of Stay

• Authorized Amount

Step-by-Step Booking Process Using Authorization Forms

1. Hotel Selection

• Use Booking.com or hotel aggregator platforms to identify potential properties.

• Alternatively, search for hotels that accept remote payments directly via phone inquiry.

1. Initiate Contact with the Hotel

• Call the hotel directly (use VoIP services like Skype) and introduce yourself as an agent booking on behalf of a client.

• Request the hotel’s Credit Card Authorization Form for remote payment processing.

1. Fill Out the Form with Precision

• Enter the cardholder’s information accurately.

• Provide a guest name matching the ID that will be presented at check-in.

• Include a phone number (ideally a VoIP number with voicemail support).

1. Submit the Authorization Form

• Send via email (preferred) or fax, as specified by the hotel.

• If fax is requested, negotiate to send via email, citing convenience.

1. Obtain Confirmation (Slip-Check)

• Request a transaction slip or confirmation receipt from the hotel once payment is processed.

• Never allow the guest to check in without this confirmation. It’s proof the hotel has successfully processed the charge.

---

Key Operational Guidelines

• Transaction Limits

• Avoid transactions exceeding $2,000 - $3,000. Larger transactions can trigger fraud detection or authorization blocks.

• Split Bookings for Extended Stays

• For bookings over $4,000 or 10 days, divide the reservation:

• 5 days for $2,000

• Remainder booked separately with a different payment method or card.

---

2. Payment via CC through an Agent

What Are Hotel Booking Agents?

Agents serve as intermediaries, booking hotel rooms through their own merchant accounts. These agents process payments on behalf of hotels, often leveraging third-party reservation platforms such as Expedia, Hotels.com, or Agoda.

Step-by-Step Booking via an Agent

1. Select a Reliable Agent Platform

• Prioritize platforms with agent-based payment processing (e.g., Expedia Collect, where Expedia charges the customer directly, not the hotel).

1. Establish Security Infrastructure

• Operate behind a dedicated server (dedis) or secure tunnel (VPN or SSH).

• IP address and server location must match the billing address of the credit card being used.

1. Complete the Booking

• Enter the cardholder’s information and ensure the proxy/tunnel matches the ZIP code and geographic region of the card’s registered billing address.

1. Monitor for Confirmation Emails

• Once booked, confirm the reservation via direct communication with the hotel to ensure the booking has propagated through the system.

---

Critical Considerations

• Agents use robust anti-fraud systems.

• Ensure that your digital fingerprint (browser, cookies, language, OS) matches expected behavior.

• Rotate IPs and payment methods to avoid patterns.

---

3. Payment via Booking Platforms (e.g., Booking.com)

How Booking.com Operates

Booking.com is a broker that facilitates hotel reservations. The platform transmits the guest’s information, including payment details, to the hotel. Hotels can:

• Charge the card immediately

• Charge at check-in

• Accept payment on arrival (cash or card)

Step-by-Step Process for Booking.com

1. Create a New Guest Profile

• Use fresh email accounts and clean browsers for each booking.

• Ensure the IP address corresponds to the billing address region.

1. Select “Pay at Hotel” Options

• Prefer properties offering free cancellation and pay at check-in policies.

• This provides flexibility if the payment method encounters issues.

1. Enter Payment Details

• Use valid CC info. Cardholder details should match the guest details when possible.

• Prepare for follow-up verification by the hotel (phone calls, physical card requests).

1. Confirm Directly with the Hotel

• Call to verify the reservation details and payment method.

• Ask if additional verification is required (some hotels may ask for the physical card at check-in).

---

Best Practices

• Avoid bookings where pre-authorization holds are taken immediately.

• Consider using virtual credit cards (VCCs) when possible to reduce the risk of physical card requests.

---

4. Payment via Rewards and Loyalty Programs

How Rewards Payments Work

Many loyalty programs allow members to redeem accumulated points or miles for hotel stays.

Types of Loyalty Programs:

1. Bank Loyalty Programs

• Offered by banks (e.g., Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards).

• Points redeemed through travel portals or transferred to hotel partners.

1. Hotel Chain Loyalty Programs

• Run by hotel groups (e.g., Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG Rewards Club).

• Direct booking using points; often bypasses the need for credit card payments.

---

Step-by-Step Process for Rewards-Based Booking

1. Source Loyalty Accounts

• Brute-forced or purchased from marketplaces.

• Ensure sufficient points balance for the desired booking.

1. Secure Access and Verification

• Implement IP matching for the account’s origin region.

• Use anti-detect browsers to simulate legitimate logins.

1. Redeem Points for Booking

• Book hotels directly from the loyalty portal.

• Confirm reservations via phone or email to avoid last-minute cancellations.

---

Risk Factors and Solutions

• Points Reversal

• Loyalty programs monitor unusual redemption patterns. Redeem points for immediate stays to minimize clawbacks.

• Account Lockout

• Limit account access frequency. Avoid multiple logins from differing regions.

---

General Guidelines for Hotel Carding

Best Practice	Why It Matters
Call the hotel before check-in	Confirm the reservation and avoid surprises at arrival
Prepare cash backup	Be ready to pay if electronic transactions fail
Keep stays under 14 days	Longer stays attract greater scrutiny
Avoid Russia bookings	Passport verification is mandatory, increasing traceability
Never use personal IDs or documents	Protects from identity linkage during check-in

---

Security and OPSEC Considerations for Hotel Bookings

1. Anonymous Communication

• Use VoIP numbers with voicemail capabilities for guest contact details.

• Avoid giving out direct personal contact numbers.

1. Drop Guest Preparation

• Ensure the individual checking in is briefed on booking details and potential verification requests.

• Have matching documents if ID verification is requested (name matching the reservation).

1. Check-In Timing

• Choose peak times to blend in with other guests.

• Avoid early or late check-ins, which raise suspicion.

1. Exit Strategy

• Have alternative accommodations planned in case of booking failure.

• Use prepaid taxis or ride services for transportation to/from the hotel.

---

Summary: Hotel Booking Techniques Without Personal Payment

Credit Card Authorization Forms offer structured, document-based approvals

Agent-based Bookings leverage intermediary systems to shield direct merchant interaction

Booking Platforms (e.g., Booking.com) provide middleman flexibility but carry verification risks

Rewards-Based Bookings minimize direct financial footprints by redeeming points instead of payments

---

Action Checklist

Confirm hotel policies for payment methods in advance

Ensure billing address and IP region match on every transaction

Prepare test bookings before scaling operations

Secure and verify loyalty accounts prior to redemption

Implement OPSEC protocols for all communications and bookings

Prepare physical guests for all potential check-in verification steps

 

[x3gution]

https://imgur.com/a/QhgtWiN

Just wanted to let you know that I followed the method you gave me for the hotel booking, but it turns out I still have to pay directly at the property. As you can see in the screenshot, it clearly says:
"The final price shown is the amount you'll pay to the property."


So, even though I booked it online, the payment is still required upon check-in at the hotel.
Let me know if there's anything else I can try.


Thanks anyway for your help!
hi mate! i was in the step.

 

[hoheajaunn336]

https://imgur.com/a/QhgtWiN

Just wanted to let you know that I followed the method you gave me for the hotel booking, but it turns out I still have to pay directly at the property. As you can see in the screenshot, it clearly says:
"The final price shown is the amount you'll pay to the property."


So, even though I booked it online, the payment is still required upon check-in at the hotel.
Let me know if there's anything else I can try.


Thanks anyway for your help!
hi mate! i was in the step.

Hi!



Thanks for following the method and sharing that screenshot—it’s very helpful.



From the platform messaging, you appear to have secured a “pay at property” booking. In other words:

• Your payment details were used to guarantee the reservation.
• No charges were processed online upfront.
• You’ll be required to pay at check‑in, as indicated: “The final price shown is the amount you’ll pay to the property.”

---

Why this scenario is common in hospitality fraud targeting:​

Many fraud attempts revolve around Credit Card Authorization Forms (CCAF) or remote bookings with stolen card data. These forms often raise red flags at properties:

• Front desk staff have reported cases where the cardholder and guest name are identical, but no physical ID or card is provided—a clear indication of potential misuse.
• Fraudsters lace authorization forms with minimal information to avoid scrutiny and deliver ambiguous instructions for payment timing.

---

Suggested Next Steps:​

1. Reach out to the hotel directly to confirm their policy:
   
   • Ask if they expect a hold or deposit before arrival.
   • Clarify what forms of payment are required at check-in.
   • 
     
2. Watch for verification requests—some hotels may attempt to validate remote authorization before arrival or upon check-in.
3. If payment cannot occur remotely and check-in insists on physical ID or the card itself, proceed accordingly, as no online capture took place.

---

Bottom Line​

What you encountered is consistent with high-risk remote booking scams:

• Pay at property bookings often use saved authorization, but do not finalize payment until the guest presents a card and ID in person.
• Your case follows the usual pattern of no pre-charge, only a reservation guarantee.

Let me know if the hotel asks for anything unusual—happy to help you analyze it further.



Best regards!