Hi everyone! I need yr feedback on payment procedures. I've decided to go on a land tour and was asked by the Greek travel agent to fill out a payment authorisation form, containing my credit card details, passport nos and my signature. I am also to fax copies of our passports and credit cards (both sides)to them . I was told this is normal and legal. I haven't been asked to do this by any of the hotels that I've booked so far in Greece or anywhere else in Europe, so am not too comfortable about doing this. Has anyone been asked to do this as well and is it safe to do so? Thanks!

Just read the article and there is one error...<BR><BR>There is still, apparently, one airline card that is not surcharging for miles. That is the British Airways card issued by First USA.<BR><BR>When I heard United's card was about to do this, I called First USA. Of course their customers service reps did not have a clue what I was talking about. I asked to speak to a supervisor who recited the party line lies about the surcharge (to protect the bank against currency fluctuations, foreign charges cost the bank more and the bank has to recover its cost, it's an industry wide procedure). I told him to skip it and that he didn't have a clue what he was talking about since the British Airways card had been exempted from the fee. He said I was wrong and then said he wouod have to contact the marketing department. Sure enough, he came back apologetically and told me that I was correct and that as of then, like March 1, they had no intention of leveling the fee on the British Airways card. That is where it stands today but every time I get mail from First USA, I dread the inevitable is coming.<BR><BR>Incidentally, the British Airways frequent flyer program is a good one as you can use British Airways frequent flyer miles on both American Airlines and America West.

Sorry, I clicked on the wrong subject after composing my reply to another thread.<BR><BR>I apologize for any inconvenience or seeming stupidity on my part.

Lil, it doesn't matter if it's legal or normal, but just don't. Why doe they need passport copies anyways, if it's a land tour within Greece. The only thing I would give is my name, address, credit card # and exp date, after receiving their written policy with regards to e.g. cancellations. They don't like it? Book with someone else.<BR>The bottom line is: you're giving someone you don't know access to your wallet. They have to state up front if and when they will dip into it. That way you have a foot to stand on when there's a problem.

I would be especially reluctant to send photocopies of a credit card, there is absolutely no justification for this. With copies of your signature and the code that's imprinted on the actual card as well as the acct no and expiration date, on top of the passport info, there's a serious threat of credit card fraud or even identity theft.

Thanks, so glad that both of you share my sentiments. I will write to her again to ask if she wld just accept my credit card nos and expiry date. If she doesn't, then I'll go with some one else then. Thanks again!