Is it a scam?not sure about it

Hi, I received this mail while trying to book a place to stay in Dublin and I'm not sure it is a scam. I'm worried cause she ask me mt credit card number! can you help me?
Thank you

Da: Lee Elizabeth Jones ([email protected])
Inviato: mercoledì 16 febbraio 2011 14.46.46


Dear Valerie
Thank you for your enquiry,
At time of writing I do have a double room ensuite with kingsize bed with own ensuite available for those dates.
All rooms have tv, video, hairdryer, tea & coffee facilities. The rate is euro cash 140.00per room per
week and includes breakfast.

To confirm this booking I need your credit card number (Visa/Mastercard)
with expiry date & 3 digit security number on back of card - no money will
be debited unless you do not turn up or give 7 days notice of any change in
the booking.

If you decide to go ahead with this booking, please also advise your
estimated time of arrival.

We are an Ideal venue for your holiday as we are located one mile from the
city centre in a quiet residential area, near some wonderful pubs and
restaurants. Busses from 300 yards away run every 5 mins to the city centre,
Temple Bar and Trinity College.

You won't get friendlier service. There are no restrictions on
coming and going.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards




Elizabeth and Lee





_________________________________

Lee & Elizabeth Jones
Acara House B&B
5 Upper Saint Columbas Road
Drumcondra
Dublin 9
Eire
Phone 01-(353) 8300058
Mobile 087-900-3440 / 087 750 4905
[email protected]
http://www.acarahouse.ie

One concern.

I found this on web cache

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:J366ZhgJKdgJ:www.daft.ie/searchsharing.daft%3Fid%3D615684+087+750+4905&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk&source=www.google.co.uk

5 Upper St Columbas Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, North Dublin City
No Photos Available
€100 monthly
House share

1 Bedroom Available for 2 Months:
- Double Bedroom Ensuite €100 monthly

1 person currently living in house (house is owner occupied)
Looking for either males or females
Couples accepted
Contact Name: Elizabeth
Phone: 087 900 3440, 087 750 4905
Phone Between Hours: ANYTIME

I've added the red highlight.

It suggests that it might not be a professional bed and breakfast business and, of course, you're being charged a much higher amount than was being charged for a house share.

I'm not suggesting that it's a scam but if it's not a well established business, it could be risky.

3 digit security number on back of card

This is not needed by them, by giving the code, anyone can use and have the card verified just by quoting the card number and ccn.

The website isn't all that well done, there are some reviews about Acara House, but none recently, and only one from 2009.

They have a listing on Dublin Events, but you are unable to make reservations through the Dublin Events website, which is not a good sign. http://www.dublinevents.com/dublin-bed- ... -house.php

I'd be tempted to find another B&B, there are more than enough in Dublin, and with better reviews and websites.

I used to travel to Dublin frequently when I was in Ireland, and found either Trip Advisor, or Dublin Events websites to be the best and easiest to use for accommodation.

Personally, Acara House may be above board, but they need to improve their image and website to reflect this.

The fact that they're asking you to send them your 3 digit security number by email should be enough to get you to run a mile.

Think about it - when you buy online from reputable companies, you pay through secure servers. You certainly don't just throw everything in an email and hope for the best.

Stay away.