Credit card security

lin473

I have booked a room at the Hilton Hotel for two months time via e-mail to a contact at the hotel .
I am a bit unsure what to do as the lady I have been dealing with has asked for my phone number so I can give her my credit card details to secure the booking.
I am uneasy about giving these details over the phone to be held for 2 months by the hotel.
She says I can't do it via the website because of the 'hotel's strict new security procedures'.
Is this normal practice or does it sound dodgy to anyone else?

Thanks all.

NickX

I use Hilton Hotels quite a lot and always book on-line using Hilton's central website.

Never had a problem and never had to give my card details over the phone.

lin473

I booked via e-mail because the rooms had been reserved for a family party for guests to book if they wanted to stay the night.
The e-mail address to the group bookings co-ordinator was put on the invitation with instructions how to book.
The particular relative concerned is abroad at the moment and I don't know anyone else who is wanting a room.
I am wondering if I should ring my credit card but that is an 0870 number with long recorded menus - costs a fortune to ring them and they will only speak to OH anyway!

skyrider007

I'm sure the Hilton won't scam you (as long as you call the right number)! Obviously you can't book 2 months long of hotel stay on the web as it would cost too much money and higher risk of fraudulent transaction etc.

lin473

It's a one night stay in two months time.
I think that is partly the problem.
What would they do with my card details jotted down over the phone for 2 months!
If it were online companies store the details securely in the computer system but over the phone I am very unsure.

IWantToBeFree_2

I wouldn't be too worried, I have booked a hotel room for one of my wedding guests secured on my credit card and they will have the details for about 9 months... I doubt anyone will be scamming you.

skyrider007

lin473 wrote: »

What would they do with my card details jotted down over the phone for 2 months!
If it were online companies store the details securely in the computer system but over the phone I am very unsure.

Oops, sorry I read it wrong! I think they'll just punch in your card number and a few other credentials in their computer which are (industry standard) procedure required to secure a room. Don't worry, you will be fine.

P.S. if it's only a night stay then why not book online and get better deal? Try booking through Expedia or some other online discounted agency.

sarah_elton

I phoned our favourite hotel a few weeks ago to book our stay next summer and gave them card details over the phone so they could take a deposit. I didn't think anything of it and we're not staying there till next June! I'm sure you'll be fine. You've got to pay somehow and she was right not to ask you to send details by email - that isn't secure at all.