Credit card machine displays 'confiscate card' warning, sparking alarm online

A service industry worker was baffled when their credit card machine displayed the serious warning "43-Please confiscate the card" after a customer's transaction. The incident, shared on Threads, quickly gained traction, with over 2.6 million views.

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43-Please confiscate the card

Industry insiders and experienced netizens quickly identified the code as a critical alert. It signifies that the issuing bank has flagged the card for significant risk, potentially due to it being reported lost or stolen, or even linked to fraud. The machine's instruction to confiscate the card is a directive to the merchant.

While merchants are unlikely to physically seize a customer's card, the warning necessitates action. One netizen who previously worked at a hotel recounted a similar situation where they recorded the card details, allowed the guest to check in, and then contacted the bank. Upon confirmation that the card was stolen, they immediately alerted the police.

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Previously, when working at a hotel, I encountered a similar situation. I recorded the card details, let them check in, and then contacted the bank. It turned out to be a stolen card, so I immediately called the police.

Other users suggested delaying the transaction by claiming network issues while discreetly contacting authorities. Some also pointed out that in the past, many banks offered rewards for successfully confiscating or reporting fraudulent cards, with some incentives reaching up to NT$10,000.

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Many banks offer rewards if you successfully report or confiscate a card.