Sending credit card (and other) details

graham17_2

Hi all,

I wasn't sure which forum to post this in. I had tried the holiday forum, but hadn't heard much back. I figured that perhaps it's not really aimed at what I'm asking. As a main part of what I'm asking is about a credit card, I wondered if it was worthwhile asking here. Please accept my apologies if it's not. Could you also point me in the direction of the correct forum if it's not appropriate here please.

I just wanted to look for some opinions.

I'm headed to Vancouver later this year for a week (as part of a bigger trip) with my wife and I'd been looking at accomodation.

I found some really nice suites in downtown Vancouver at a good price, and they would be my first choice. They get plenty of good reviews on trip advisor as well.

However, they don't have a facility for booking online and other agents (i.e. expedia) don't have them listed; presumably for the same reason. So I've been dealing directly with the hotel and was now at the point of being ready to book.

They sent me over the contract to fill out the usual details (name, address, etc.) that I can then e-mail back to them.

They also require a deposit, so I'd agreed to pay this over the phone with my credit card, rather than send details by e-mail. This hasn't been done yet.

However, the sticking point is what details they require to be sent. They say that their policy is that you need to (unless you can be present at the time of booking) send a photocopy of your ID (I guess this would either be driving license, or passport) and credit card (both sides). The reason for this being that they normally deal with long term rentals, and as they are therefore dealing with large sums of money, they want these for the extra protection for them, as well as myself in terms of making sure my card isn't being used fraudulently. This is apparently the norm for long term rental properties. The reasons do make sense in my opinion.

As I'm sure you'd agree, this idea has sent alarm bells ringing though. I'd obviously not be comfortable sending my credit card details as I stated, but combining this with ID seems like I'm asking for trouble. I do trust the accomodation itself based on the numerous reviews they've had and I'm sure it is just their policy, but the methods available (post, e-mail & fax) aren't secure. If someone were to get hold of these two pieces of very private information, it would surely be enough for a lot of things. Having one piece stolen would be bad enough, but both together would be extremely bad I'd imagine. I've been advised the fax room is locked, which would add that bit of security.

As I say, this is the accomodation I'd certainly rather book with. But not at the expense of losing such important details.

I was just wondering what other people think that know more about this topic than me please?

There are other places that I'd considering staying instead, but this would be my first choice.

Thanks in advance,

Graham.

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

You are certainly right to be cautious. I guess you'll just have to weigh up the risks and benefits. I'd be a little nervous but they would presumably ask for the CVV if you applied online so sending a picture is probably no more risky.

I sope someone can give you a definitive reply.

Have a good holiday!

PNPSUKNET

In the states when you use cheque they ask for photo id like passport, same with travellers cheques. Suppose also when you go spain they keep your passport for 24 hours.

graham17_2

Hi,

Thanks for the replies.

Yep, I realise that it's often common place to want to see, or take a copy of ID when you check in. Although that's not ideal, I'd be happier with that.

However, they insist that it must be sent at the time of booking, a photocopy of each. This is where my main concern lies, in actually sending them both. I'm not physically handing it over and have no power over how/where it goes. My only option is which method to use.

Obviously e-mail is certainly not secure (even sometimes with encryption if we found a way to work this), neither is post and neither is fax (although I feel fax is perhaps slightly more secure).

I was thinking of different options, such as sending them seperately, by different methods, or different days, etc. It doesn't remove the risk, but would at least help reduce it.

Am I right in being concerned that if someone got their hands on both of these, then that would certainly be a rather bad situation to be in! Credit card is bad enough, but if you have both that and your ID intercepted...

Any more opinions would certainly be welcome as I'm not knowledgeable enough to know for certain what to do.

I do have another hotel (well, suites) that I would be happy booking. But I would rather choose the suites in question. But it depends if the risks are too high.

Thanks,

Graham.

[Deleted User]

when you send a copy of the card they usually allow you to block out all but the last 4 digits,and all of the cvv

graham17_2

Hi,

Thanks for that.

I guess I'm not as concerned if it were jsut the credit card and I could blank out details. But it's the combination of that along with the ID.

Any other thoughts?

Thanks,

Graham.