This genius changed his name to get free hotel stays & rental cars

Plenty of people have changed their names over the years for comedic purposes. Take Muswell Hill resident Bacon Double Cheeseburger, or Dundee student Michael Connor Lightning Akimbo Wumbo Wigglesworth Pussyfoot Katzenjammer Clarke Whittet.

But sometimes, you can utilise the availability of the deed poll to actually make some money, as proven by one money-saving American genius Raven Felix Null.

Raven has changed his name in order to benefit from a quirk of many IT systems: they refuse to register the word 'Null'. Thus, Raven claims that he's managed to blag several hotel stays, car rentals and holidays for free, as computer software often fails to fully validate his bookings.

'Null' says that when systems won't let staff input his name, they often say they'll sort it later, but don't get round to it, leaving him to escape bill-free. If he's challenged? "I usually just accuse them of oppressing me and threaten to sue them for discriminating against me due to my name."

He explains, "Yes, I know I’m an arsehole. However, if someone still said they couldn’t do it after threatening to be sued I’d probably congratulate them and tell them how many people I have ripped off by doing that and wish them a good day. I might even offer to buy them a beer later."

He follows in the footsteps of the man who changed his name by deed poll as it was cheaper than getting Ryanair to alter his ticket.

We salute both of these canny fellows. Keep smashing the system lads.

[via Lonely Planet]

(Image: AllStar)