Myth Watch

The warning: When checking out of a hotel, never return the room key card!

The myth: Computerized hotel key cards are routinely imprinted with guests' personal information, including names, addresses and credit card numbers.

The truth: Hotel companies and law enforcement agencies have said repeatedly that such information isn't put on the cards.

How it started: In 2003, a Pasadena police detective spread the warning without checking its veracity. It still routinely makes the rounds worldwide via e-mail to such an extent that the police department keeps a notice on its website, explaining that the rumor isn't true. Oops.

-- David Colker