Hotel in Turkey wants my security code . . . Legit?
Jun 20th, 2005, 10:55 PM
#1
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Hotel in Turkey wants my security code . . . Legit?
I am planning on booking with a hotel and they wrote in my e-mail "If you decide to stay with us please send us your flight arrival- and credit card details (number, expire date and security code number) that we can guarantee your reservation".
I am a little leary about sending my securtiy code -- has anyone been ask to
e-mail this same request to secure a reservation? Usually hotels just want the credit card number. Please write a post on this if you have info. Thanx - ccc
I am a little leary about sending my securtiy code -- has anyone been ask to
e-mail this same request to secure a reservation? Usually hotels just want the credit card number. Please write a post on this if you have info. Thanx - ccc
Jun 21st, 2005, 01:21 AM
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Hi cececat,
When you say security code, do you mean the pin number? you know the one you put in at ATM ?
Not certain where you are-but It may be a little different here in UK but we also have a 3 digit number at the end of the signature strip, if you have that they may be asking for that.
But I agree with you if its the pin number don't give it. You could also contact you cc supplier and ask them what it could be they want and should you give it.
Your right to be cautious.
I have never been asked for security codes and I always book by cc either on line or by tel.
Let us know how you get on
Muck
When you say security code, do you mean the pin number? you know the one you put in at ATM ?
Not certain where you are-but It may be a little different here in UK but we also have a 3 digit number at the end of the signature strip, if you have that they may be asking for that.
But I agree with you if its the pin number don't give it. You could also contact you cc supplier and ask them what it could be they want and should you give it.
Your right to be cautious.
I have never been asked for security codes and I always book by cc either on line or by tel.
Let us know how you get on
Muck
Jun 21st, 2005, 02:28 AM
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Like Mucky, I'm unsure what you mean by "security code". The 4-digit PIN? Or the last 3 digits of the number on the reverse (signature) side of your credit card?
Whichever, tell them to take a hike. I've stayed all over Turkey and never been asked for such an animal.
A B&B in Greece once wanted me to leave my passport with them too, so I booked out and went elsewhere. Again, no other B&B in Greece ever asked for it.
I'm normally easy-going, but I learned the hard way that there are lots of predators out there just waiting for us gullible tourists to happen along!
Whichever, tell them to take a hike. I've stayed all over Turkey and never been asked for such an animal.
A B&B in Greece once wanted me to leave my passport with them too, so I booked out and went elsewhere. Again, no other B&B in Greece ever asked for it.
I'm normally easy-going, but I learned the hard way that there are lots of predators out there just waiting for us gullible tourists to happen along!
Jun 21st, 2005, 02:49 AM
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Well I am sure what they want. It is the 3 digit numbe ron the signiture strip. 1) Because it's called the security code. Haven't you ever bought anything over the internet? and 2) Why in the world would they want your pin number?
You should be glad they they are taking the trouble to ensdure that no one else is using your card. That's what the security code is for.
You should be glad they they are taking the trouble to ensdure that no one else is using your card. That's what the security code is for.
Jun 21st, 2005, 02:55 AM
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Ordinarily I wouldn't worry about sending a security code and as someone above pointed out, this happens all the time with internet purchases.
But if the hotel is only going to hold the number for security purposes ("to guarantee your reservation"
and not RUN the number through and CHARGE you for one night's stay, then their having the security code doesn't make much sense to me.
If they don't "run" the card through they'll have no idea whether the security code is valid or not so perhaps you can elaborate on this aspect of it:
is it to guarantee the reservation or are they actually going to charge you for the first night?
But if the hotel is only going to hold the number for security purposes ("to guarantee your reservation"
and not RUN the number through and CHARGE you for one night's stay, then their having the security code doesn't make much sense to me.If they don't "run" the card through they'll have no idea whether the security code is valid or not so perhaps you can elaborate on this aspect of it:
is it to guarantee the reservation or are they actually going to charge you for the first night?
Jun 21st, 2005, 05:07 AM
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I think it is OK to send your security code. However, I would fax it, not send in email for security reasons. My hotels in Turkey sent me a form via email (basically a contract), which I then filled out and faxed back. Make sure your agreement for payment is in euros OR dollars, not both. One hotel booking agency quoted me in dollars ($90 a night), but then charged me 90E a night on the contract. I resolved the situation by just calling the hotel directly on the phone and booking myself.
Jun 21st, 2005, 06:26 AM
#8
I don't know about Turkey or emailing, but the security code is the last 3 digits of the number on the signature line on the back of a credit card. It has nothing to do with a pin number.
Loads of places check it these days when you do business over the telephone or internet.
Loads of places check it these days when you do business over the telephone or internet.
Jun 21st, 2005, 06:34 AM
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In the last several months I have been asked for the security code many times. It is becoming VERY common.
Don't let Mucky's and twoflower's responses confuse things - it has absolutely nothing to do w/ your pin. The reason they ask for the security code is because someone would not know it unless they actually had the credit card in their hand. It is for your safety that they ask for the security code. More places should . . . . .
Don't let Mucky's and twoflower's responses confuse things - it has absolutely nothing to do w/ your pin. The reason they ask for the security code is because someone would not know it unless they actually had the credit card in their hand. It is for your safety that they ask for the security code. More places should . . . . .
Jun 21st, 2005, 07:33 AM
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As a TA I can tell you I deal this is common practice. I work with cruise lines and tour companies that now requre this information now as a standard, as do I. The three digit security code is to make sure it's you and not someone else using your card who has only the numbers and expiration on the front of the card.
Jun 21st, 2005, 07:54 AM
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It's called the CVV (for Cardholder Verification Value).
<b>http://usa.visa.com/about_visa/newsroom/press_kit/security.html</b>
It was implemented to protect the <b>card issuer</b>, not the cardholder. The latter are protected by their <i>Cardholder Agreements</i>, which absolve them of any responsibility for fraudulent use of their cards.
<b>http://usa.visa.com/about_visa/newsroom/press_kit/security.html</b>
It was implemented to protect the <b>card issuer</b>, not the cardholder. The latter are protected by their <i>Cardholder Agreements</i>, which absolve them of any responsibility for fraudulent use of their cards.
Jun 21st, 2005, 08:08 AM
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I am a credit card merchant. I accept Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express, Diners' Club and Carte Blanche.
I always pre-authorize transactions even though I'm not going to charge the card until the service is received.
I insist upon a valid CVV for internet orders because without it, I can't get an authorization.
There is absolutely no safety issue from a cardholder's point of view in giving a CVV to a merchant. As I said above, the purpose of the CVV is to protect card issuers, not cardholders.
I always pre-authorize transactions even though I'm not going to charge the card until the service is received.
I insist upon a valid CVV for internet orders because without it, I can't get an authorization.
There is absolutely no safety issue from a cardholder's point of view in giving a CVV to a merchant. As I said above, the purpose of the CVV is to protect card issuers, not cardholders.
Jun 21st, 2005, 08:41 AM
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Yes, having to give that three digit security code on the back with your signature is becoming very common. It appears that it is now almost required when you are not signing for a purchase -- for example the situation you are in, or doing a telephone or internet order. I suspect you have the choice of not giving it, but then you'll need to come up with an alternate method of payment.
Jun 21st, 2005, 04:19 PM
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Thanks for all your replies. The hotel wants my 3 digit security code --they nor I made no mention of a pin number (I believe I did not).
For AmEx they write "American Express: You can find the security code number (4 digits) above the last numbers on the front of your credit card.
If alot of you are right -- I guess this is alright to do. But, they say they are NOT going to charge my card at all -- unless I do not cancel my reservation within their cancellation policy period.
I guess it is legit, huh? Okay. Thanks for the info. ccc
For AmEx they write "American Express: You can find the security code number (4 digits) above the last numbers on the front of your credit card.
If alot of you are right -- I guess this is alright to do. But, they say they are NOT going to charge my card at all -- unless I do not cancel my reservation within their cancellation policy period.
I guess it is legit, huh? Okay. Thanks for the info. ccc
Jun 21st, 2005, 04:31 PM
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they mean your 3 digit code on the back of your card next to your signature line. Haven't had that happen in Turkey, but have in other Balkan countries.BTW, give NO ONE your ATM PIN number. If you do, regardless of how much you trust the people you are dealing with, you can kiss your bank account goodbye...
Jun 22nd, 2005, 04:58 AM
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"I think it is OK to send your security code. However, I would fax it, not send in email for security reasons.."
Excellent advice. Never, never send important information through the internet.
Excellent advice. Never, never send important information through the internet.
Jun 22nd, 2005, 05:09 AM
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If you really think a fax is safer than using the Internet then do it that way. One way to heighten security of mail is to divide the numbers you are sending into two separate transmissions..at least I THINK this might increase security.
It is nice that you are generally protected beyond a certain amount (is it still $50?) against fraud by the CC issuer.
It is nice that you are generally protected beyond a certain amount (is it still $50?) against fraud by the CC issuer.
Jun 22nd, 2005, 05:25 AM
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There is no one sniffing the billions and billions of packets traversing the internet every day looking for something that looks like it might be a credit card number.
Far simpler ways of acquiring card numbers exist, and they existed long before the internet became a multimedia extravaganza. Such as: bribing the PhD who waited on your table at the Olive Garden.
The reason that card issuers want you to secrete your number, eat your carbons, and so on is to protect <b>THEM</b>, not <b>YOU</b>.
Card issuers are protected against fraudulent use by their Cardholder Agreements.
Merchants protect themselves from false charges by either requiring a signature or CVV.
It is the card issuers who are left holding the bag in a <i>rogue merchant</i> scenario.
<i>p.s.</i> faxing information is one of the <u>least</u> secure methods of transmitting it.
Far simpler ways of acquiring card numbers exist, and they existed long before the internet became a multimedia extravaganza. Such as: bribing the PhD who waited on your table at the Olive Garden.
The reason that card issuers want you to secrete your number, eat your carbons, and so on is to protect <b>THEM</b>, not <b>YOU</b>.
Card issuers are protected against fraudulent use by their Cardholder Agreements.
Merchants protect themselves from false charges by either requiring a signature or CVV.
It is the card issuers who are left holding the bag in a <i>rogue merchant</i> scenario.
<i>p.s.</i> faxing information is one of the <u>least</u> secure methods of transmitting it.
