Big difference. One is secure and processes the card, the other can be used by anyone for any purpose at anytime in the future Merchants are not allowed to store the cvv number for security reasons by copying the card they have breached this.

Maybe they were honest, but by allowing that and should the card be used fraudulently you might have waved goodbye to your protection. Who is to say that those photocopies are not still in a drawer somewhere?

Much better to have said pop down to reception later and we can charge your card

Let's face it, it is not the customers fault that the system is down, so payment should be taken by card once it is back up or at checkout.

It is just not something I would agree to in these days of identity theft, as they have your card, billing address, probably passport details etc.

This is the same reason why I am not keen on photocopying the passport, but at least with that they cannot spend it online or with a dodgy shop around the corner.