Strange email from Play Asia

[dreamylittledream]

Hmmm I finally ordered a Panasonic Q from Play Asia last night.

Got this email today:

Hi Tristan,

thank you for your recent Order#322359 at Play-Asia.com.

We regret to inform you that we need further information to verify the
status of the transaction. Please understand that this is also helps to reduce
the risk that your credit card is misused by any other person.



Please provide us with the following info:

Front and back of your credit card
Photo-ID card (such as driver's license, passport) showing the same
name & signature as the credit card.




Please either scan & e-mail the required documents to
[email protected]

or fax the required documents to
[+852] 3145 0061 (Hong Kong).

In both cases, it is very important that you provide your Play-Asia.com
Order Number (#322359) on each of the documents.




We understand that you may feel unsecure with this; you may wish to
black out a few digits of the credit card (but leave the first and last 4
digits intact) and the security code on the back before sending it to us).



Again we ask for understanding about this procedure, we would gladly
skip this procedure if it was not necessary; however we have to be
sure the order was submitted by the rightful owner of the credit card
being used.


Once again thank you for shopping at Play-Asia.com.


Your Play-Asia.com Team

http://www.play-asia.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Latest headlines on Play-Asia.com. Click on a link to read more...



Weekly import update: 13 new PS2? GBA? and WonderSwan?
titles: Puyo Puyo Fever, Air Force Delta: Blue Wing Knights, Judgement
Silversword: Rebirth Edition & more

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-17-74-fu.html

Konga Drum Controllers restocked: Get your special of the week
with 1 or more spare controllers for pure party fun

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-17-74-ft.html

Releases today: Puyo Puyo Fever, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 2
(PS2?) - Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Monsters Expert 3 & Beginners Pack (GBA?)

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-17-74-fs.html

Another 2 limited edition Pokemon GBA SP?: Charizard Fire Red &
Venusaur Leaf Green

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-17-74-fr.html

Offer of the week: Donkey Konga Set (incl. Drum Controller) at
unbeatable US$ 49.90 - offer valid for 1 week only!

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-17-74-fq.html

Asian model PlayStation2 Racing Pack Ceramic White shipping with
free Gran Turismo Watch - limited time offer

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-17-74-fp.html

PS: This is an automatically generated E-Mail, please do not reply directly
to it. If you like to contact us please visit our contact page for further
details.

Have to say it looks genuine but has anyone had this before from Pay Asia?

Its a right pain in the arse!

[Chadruharazzeb]

When I first used Tronix I had to send them a fax of the front and back of my credit card, along with a recent letter with my address on it.

I believe it's quite common.

[Garibaldi Biscuit]

Yeah, I had to do the same with Tronix, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

[bowser123]

Is this your 1st ever order from Play-Asia, dreamylittledream?
If so then most sites ask for this info the 1st time you buy from them if it's something as expensive as a Q. They are basically just trying to ensure it's your card and you're legit. After the 1st order it's unlikely they will ever ask again.

To avoid this what I usually do is place a few small orders with a low value. This gives me an idea of what their service is like and from there end ensures my card isn't dodgy. Almost always they won't ask for the card info to be faxed in these instances as the value is so low.
Obviously this isn't any help to you as they have asked for this stuff, but in the future, I would recommend following those tips.

As for whether the email is from Play-Asia, I'd say it's 99% certain that it is. They have given stuff like order numbers and the fax machine number on that email is the same as on their site.

[dreamylittledream]

I have ordered from them before but not for ages and it was somewhat less then the Q and associated bits is costing me!

If its pretty standard then thats okay....have sent them the stuff now so they better get on and ship the damn thing. They've already charged my card....

[Square]

If you are worried about this, go to Visa's website, and they'll explain this (rather common) request. I don't think this is anything to be concerned about.

[Ginger Tosser]

If you have paypal, pay with that. Although it just looks like there protecting themselves from abuse.