At the moment we have masses of this threads with more or less sense. Some more seem to stir up panic with pseudo-problems.

I always gave my cc-Information to my agent and never had problems. If not using PayPal I do the same all the time when paying via cc. I never had a problem and even if itīs possible to do it another way itīs at least unconveniant. I consider the risk as relative low, so I feel comfortable with it.

I was never asked for a passport copy.

I donīt pay my agent and would not do so. The agency earn the provision and I pay my more or less high bill. Thatīs the deal. There may be other cases especially if People need more support than I. Of course I always doublecheck the offers and conditions. To be fair I know what to expect before the first contact. I would NEVER let the agent choose my hotel or room

Never asked an Agent whatīs to do if he/ she getīs ill or dies. Good point, will write an email: What happens if you die tomorrow? First itīs not a Problem at all as my booking is with the hotel and after the room is booked the agent may be very useful, but I donīt need him urgently. Also my agent works in an agenty/ with employees and I had contact to several persons in the past, for excample if he was on vacation. So not a problem.

Last word: We had this thread were someone wasnīt able to reach his agent. Of course it was a unpleasant situation but even in this case I believe no harm was done.