UCT "flagged for security"

[babyruth]

I'm trying to purchase tickets from Undercover Tourist. When processing the order online it goes through, there is no bot check or anything (recaptcha or similar). I got an email saying my order is flagged for security and they want me to take a "selfie" holding my credit card for verification. I am not normally a paranoid person but this sounds ridiculous and many people I have talked to in my office and at home agree. I am using a mastercard from my credit union, who ALSO thinks this is the weirdest request and would not advise me to do this. I'm told reputable ticket brokers invest in bot security and it sounds like a scam. Now I'm concerned...but they are spoken highly of here at by mousesavers so I thought I would ask - what is the deal with this? Are they serious?

 

[wilkeliza]

I'm trying to purchase tickets from Undercover Tourist. When processing the order online it goes through, there is no bot check or anything (recaptcha or similar). I got an email saying my order is flagged for security and they want me to take a "selfie" holding my credit card for verification. I am not normally a paranoid person but this sounds ridiculous and many people I have talked to in my office and at home agree. I am using a mastercard from my credit union, who ALSO thinks this is the weirdest request and would not advise me to do this. I'm told reputable ticket brokers invest in bot security and it sounds like a scam. Now I'm concerned...but they are spoken highly of here at by mousesavers so I thought I would ask - what is the deal with this? Are they serious?

Personally I would not take a selfie with my credit card to prove I am me. That is stepping over a security boundary. I know they are highly spoken of but if that request was made I'd reply sorry that is not an okay request and I will be taking my business elsewhere. If I send a photo with my card it means I would have to trust them to delete that email that has my photo and card information. It would be way to easy to make a fake ID and cc with those two things.

 

[Robo]

CALL them.

 

[Serenebean]

I have never heard that from them. I'd just pick up the phone and give them a call to see whats up

 

[BrianL]

THe first time I ordered from them they did flag me for security, but they wanted a scan of my drivers license, not my credit card.

 

[SanderMC]

Yes this has happened before to users of UTC. It actually happened to myself a couple of years ago.
I called and was able to get it straightened out without having to send them anything.

 

[babyruth]

I am not able to have a phone conversation at the moment so I used the chat tool. they would not offer me another option. I will take my business elsewhere. I said I was concerned about identity theft and a scam, was not offered any consolation or reassurance. ETA very disappointing service indeed.

 

[Mickeygolf]

I completely understand the concern for this procedure. But I just did this to purchase my tickets for an upcoming trip and it really wasn't that big of a deal. They said to make sure to cover all but the last 4 digits of the card while taking the selfie. It was on their secure website so I didn't see an issue. It's been well over a month and haven't seen any kind of odd activity with any of my personal accounts. But I do understand the concern.

 

[AJT607]

As others have said, I would wait until you are able to talk to them on the phone and give them a call. I had a similar issue when I used them a couple of years ago and they were able to quickly resolve the issue via phone. Companies will often outsource chat tools and they do not give individuals on those services the same 'power' as the people answering the phones.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I think it's creepy.

MG

 

[babyruth]

you know, even if they had told me to give them a call over the chat? or explained why they need to do this? I may be able to call in a couple hours but I'm not feeling it. The only defense offered was they aren't asking for a pic of the whole card to cover 12 numbers. But they already have the whole number...soooo... very weird. We travel A LOT (not always to Disney but we go away multiple times a year) and this is definitely a first!

 

[AngiTN]

They aren't trying to scam you. Quite the opposite. They are really trying to protect you. There is something in your transaction that made them question if it was you doing the purchase. I don't disagree that they could be better at the way they process it once it's flagged but really, it's you they are trying to help. Well, and them too, as they don't want to process fraudulent purchases either.

I think sometimes there are flags to their orders when the zip code of the card and the IP address location are different, or something like that. They've explained at least once somewhere what can cause an order to be flagged

 

[Duck143]

I just did this a few weeks back. I sent them the photo they requested and then they approved the order within minutes. I actually felt more secure that someone cared to confirm my credit card use online

 

[jeepnjudy]

Ummm...no offense to anyone but taking a 'selfie' with me next to a credit card does not prove that I am the same person attached to that credit card so if this is what they are using to validate your identity, completely pointless!

 

[AngiTN]

Ummm...no offense to anyone but taking a 'selfie' with me next to a credit card does not prove that I am the same person attached to that credit card so if this is what they are using to validate your identity, completely pointless!

I can only guess that it does in case a question comes up later as to who exactly placed the order. They can show the photo and compare it to a photo ID. No idea fur sure but I can see the train of thought they use. I do think they need to work on their process once an order is flagged but I can't fault them for having an extra step when something seems off

 

[erionm]

I can only guess that it does in case a question comes up later as to who exactly placed the order. They can show the photo and compare it to a photo ID. No idea fur sure but I can see the train of thought they use

The photo would also show that the person has the actual CC and not just the numbers off the card.

 

[babyruth]

Ummm...no offense to anyone but taking a 'selfie' with me next to a credit card does not prove that I am the same person attached to that credit card so if this is what they are using to validate your identity, completely pointless!

THAT is definitely one of my concerns. Along with the picture being used for fraudulent purposes. Even with good intentions, if they get hacked and they have my name, address, credit card number, picture of it and picture of ME....

 

[babyruth]

The photo would also show that the person has the actual CC and not just the numbers off the card.

I sent them a picture of the card, with the numbers covered as requested and it is not sufficient. They want a selfie pic of me holding the card. Even the fact that they keep using the term selfie is a little strange. There is nothing in their terms and conditions about this process. I'm starting to feel like I'm on the wrong website. I've clicked the link from mousesavers several times to make sure!

 

[starjazz]

How much money does UCT actually save? I think I'd be inclined to evaluate risk vs. reward here. Its already established that with all of the different websites that cover certain parts of your SSN but not others, that its rather simple to piece together a complete SSN. I wouldn't be engaging in this activity to save a few bucks, personally, but to each his/her own.

 

[AJT607]

They've offered you a solution through the chat and that won't work for you so giving them things other than what they are asking for (like a picture of the CC without a picture of you) will not help. If you are unwilling to do the 'selfie' thing as requested, just wait until you are able to call them. As others have said, they are doing this for your protection and their protection. A phone call will likely solve this issue, as myself and others have previously stated.