Toronto Photography Meetup Group

An additional query here. How is a snapshot of the renter a more egregious collection of information than their name, address, driver's license, credit card (with expiry and security digits), and a security deposit? Why is someone's face somehow more valuable or unreasonable to collect than the rest of that information? Especially given that while the rest of that information can easily be forged, one's face is no so.

just as a follow-up as well:

I was in Vistek today dropping off a repair, so I stopped by the rental desk to get the skinny on the mugshot thing. Vistek is doing this because they have been subject to fraudsters who impersonate legitimate account holders. So, person X comes in and says they're with some studio that's already on file. They show fake ID, etc. and rent the stuff, boom it never comes back. Vistek calls the legit account and they (of course) have no idea - this puts Vistek and the legit client in conflict as now the client has to somehow prove they didn't in fact rent the stuff. Vistek had to do something to avoid this.

The nice CSR I talked to told me the images are kept on a secure server and need to be updated once a year and are used only to verify that the person renting the equipment is in fact attached to the account they say they are with. So there you go.

I don't see what the big deal is with getting your mugshot taken. If you're that paranoid about your violation of privacy, keep in mind that nobody is holding a gun to your head and forcing you to rent it from Vistek. Just kindly take your business elsewhere where you don't have to get your pic taken.

This is exactly what I plan to do.
I will never rent anything from Vistek (or do any or do any kind of business with them) as long as they have this stupid and intrusive policy.

I would like to address your concerns regarding our Rental and Privacy Policies at Vistek.

We do require a current photograph when renting, this is taken in the store at the time of account set-up and is updated annually. This photograph is used for identification purposes should the renter not return Vistek's property.

All personal information collected including your photo, credit card and address are kept on a a separate, secure server and is never sold, lent, given or otherwise released to any third party aside from law enforcement when necessary. Information collected by Vistek about an individual is accessible by that individual upon request, in accordance with Canadian Law.

This policy is currently available by request at the rental counter however, after reading this forum and seeing your concern we will ensure this policy is posted and clearly visible to all rental customers at all times. Any and all rental staff should be able to explain the reason your photo is being taken and explain the privacy policy in relation to the information captured and stored in the rental department. If for any reason they are not able to explain these policies please seek management ASAP so the issue is addressed immediately or you can contact me via email customerservice@vistek.ca, on twitter http://www.twitter.com/vistk or by phone 1-888-365-1777 x3337

Again, I would like to thank all of you for your opinions and input as it is invaluable for creating a better customer experience.

Thank you,

Holly Thomas
Vistek Customer Relations

I'm waiting for retinal scans and voice recognition...

Hello again everyone, I am just popping in with an update.

As of today we have updated our rental policy page on our website http://www.vistek.ca/rentals/policies.aspx and copies of the policy have been posted at each and every rental station - this has been done in the interest of transparency, protection of your privacy and of course the feedback we received right here on TPMG forums.

Again, I would like to thank all of you for bringing this matter to our attention and I remind you now that I am always available for questions, comments, concerns or critiques regarding Vistek and our service.

Regards,

Holly Thomas
Customer Relations @ Vistek Toronto
customerservice@vistek.ca
1-888-365-1777 x3337