Faxing Credit Card Authorization?

[plongdin]

I am being asked to fax in a credit card authorization form for the hotel reservation I made when we left last year and being told "the bank" requires this. In the past I have verbally or electronically given the information but they want my signature this year. Since this is something new - I am a bit leery and wondering if this has become a new practice?

[booger]

You can scan it an email it, that's what I do.

[plongdin]

You can scan it an email it, that's what I do.

Thanks Booger - that is a good idea and it saves me having my credit card info right out there wherever I can find a fax machine!

[Seveen]

i'd prefer paypal or a bank transfer

[Mike_D]

I've stayed at major hotel chains in states that have requested that I fax in a credit card authorization form. Now that most hotels have on-line reservations, there is not much need for them. I'm sure there are a few hotels in Negril that do not have on line reservation systems.

I like the idea of scanning and e-mailing the form.

[plongdin]

Me too Seveen but they are insisting on this unfortunately. It is a change from the prior years which is why I found it strange and I don't like it one bit

[Seveen]

Me too Seveen but they are insisting on this unfortunately. It is a change from the prior years which is why I found it strange and I don't like it one bit

too scary . . .

i had my credit card used in jamaica ---- and i wasn't even there

and emailing it doesn't make me feel any better . . .

[Angel]

Who told you this? The hotel? I would call them if you are not comfortable.

[Marko]

there are a ton of hotels in Negril that won't put you thru those hoops.....
in this world if they can't take it on the phone or on a secured server....you are out of luck.....
faxing and emails aren't secured....you are running a risk......
tell dem to setup a PayPal or some kind of secured account if they need a deposit etc before you reach.....
since you are an existing customer........tell them to wave it till you reach......
not like you haven't done business with them before......
if they don't.....go somewhere else.....

Cool Runnings, Marko

[Craig123]

I'm in the insurance industry in Canada. Canada has pretty strict privacy legislation and for good reason. The companies I deal with discourage emailed personal information (especially credit card information). Such faxed information is, however, accepted. It's less likely to be hijacked. Such intercepted data can be used for obvious bad purposes. I am reluctant to email credit card information and prefer a secure online site or a verbal. My advice would be:

1 - Verbally provide the information (no paper OR electronic trail). Assuming the data is later destroyed.
2 - Use a secure online payment site such as Paypal or intuit or a secure website like Moneris or a similar respected company.
3 - Fax the information...ensuring your fax number is legit!!!!!!! and assume the data is later destroyed.

In the "old days", scum bags would simply pick the credit card carbons out from waste paper baskets or waste bins to obtain the required data. That similar risk still exists with faxes and phoned in information along with the potential for compromised electronic data.

Just saying.

Post script: Marko makes valid points regarding being a return customer "waive it until you reach" if possible. Failing that I personally would still fax an authorization knowing it's a valid number AND TRUSTING THE INFORMATION WOULD BE DESTROYED AFTER USE. Same thing with a verbal. Secure Online stands on it's own but is not without some risk.

OK let's face it......pretty much every remote method of payment has some risk. As in the insurance industry, it's a matter of managing that risk as much as reasonably possible..

Respect.