"Joe:
I had the unfortunate circumstance last week when my credit/debit card was stolen and I didn't discover it until late the next day.
However, I had read some time ago, perhaps on your site, that you should not sign the back of the card. But instead of a signature I wrote in the signature space, "PHOTO ID REQUIRED".
My card was missing for at least a day and apparently was never used and I attribute that to the notation on the back. I always carry my driver's license with my credit card and I never mind having the show the photo ID when asked.
Perhaps this information would benefit some of your readers.
JB"
JB, You are correct. I have preached for years on this Blog, never sign the back of your Credit Card. Mind you, I rarely use my Credit Cards but when I do, IF they demand I have a signature, I REFUSE to purchase the item. "PHOTO ID REQUIRED" is, (IMO) the best way to secure your credit and card.
15 comments:
I've never had anyone ID me using my debit card and when I used to have credit cards I experienced the same. How many people actually look on the back to see if it even has a signature? All they care about is the approval.
The way the banks are heading the best thing you can do with credit cards is cut them up and pay them off.
I'd rather have to deal with getting my ID out. With a debit card, they're assuming that by using your PIN that your card is secure. That makes sense to me.
I didn't have my card stolen, I had just the numbers stolen. I still have not figured that one out? Radio Shack on College Avenue had a customer come in and gave some story about their mom being at home. This store actually accepted my card number without the card by a customer over the phone! Guess what??? Wicomico County Nolle Pros even though they had these people on video! So, they walked out of the store with some big tv, while I was left with over $1,000 debited out of my checking account! So, believe me if someone wants something they'll get it!
Writing "Photo ID Required" on the back of your card does little good any more, since so many stores have you swipe the card yourelf and the cashier never even looks at it.
I can assure you that I always compare signatures or request photo ID if the card is not signed. Most people thank me for checking, since hardly anyone else does it.
Grannydragon,
you are among the few that do request some id and I thank you for that. I have "ask 4 id" on all of my cards and am rarely asked for it. I used one card, unsigned, three times at one dept. store before I realized that I hadn't signed it. I pointed that out to the cashier and she didn't even seem concerned.
Another great suggestion is to "go" with your credit care in lieu of letting a server, etc take it. I was in Cabo San Lucas and gave my card for payment and a day or so later my card was rejected at a restaurant and when I called the card Co, I was informed that someone in Cabo attempted to book air fare to Malaysia. Only used the card at that one location.
As far as signing a card, which I never do, I attempted to pay by card at a local Post Office and was told that I HAD to sign the card and that was their policy.
Don't take your card to the Fruitland post office like that because they will not accept it without you signing it. I always write ask for ID on all of my cards as was suggested by the card company and the teller at the post office refused to accept until I signed it in front of her. I don't understand what good that did because she never asked for an ID. I cleaned the signature off of it as soon as she handed it back!
9:39, I know I'm one of the few. But I'm not some kid showing up for a paycheck; I care about my business.
Now what's really funny is when I point out that a card is not signed, and they go ahead and sign it and expect that to be enough. Sorry, still need to see that ID.
Not Signing your card or writing "See ID" is the absolute worst thing that you can do. Thats why it is against Visa/MC policy to do so. When you show a clerk your credit card, they only have the numbers, when you force them to look at your ID, then they have your address and your date of birth.
If your card is stolen and it is blank or says "See ID" all the thief has to do is sign the card. Now they have your credit card with their signature, and since it is against Visa/MC policy to require ID, they can do whatever they want.
Most major credit card companies offer protection against identity theft and fraudulent charges. It is in their best interest to make sure that these things do not happen to you. If the safest thing to do was write "see ID" or not sign your card, don't you think that would be their policy?
All post offices, not just the one in Fruitland, are stepping up their compliance policies, to protect themselves and to protect consumers. Per the Merchant handbook, if an unsigned or "see id" card is presented it may be refused. The only way to process the transaction is to have the card holder sign the card then compare it with the signature on their ID.
The best thing a person can do is to educate yourself on credit card policies before trying to educate others. You may be doing more harm than good.
Grannydragon
I check them too!If they cannot produce ID they do not use the card!
Roses and Johnsons Feed and Seed are the only places I've been asked for ID when using my card. I appreciate their diligence everytime I'm asked.
Can you imagine standing in line at Wawa or any other convenience store or any other kind of high volume retail environment and the cashier stopping for every transaction to make sure the card is signed and ID the person. 9 out of 10 people would be standing in line complaining their asses off because the line is moving too slow because they are in some hurry to get nowhere. I mean, I once worked in a convenience store and I would get cussed out by people in line if I stopped to card someone for buying alcohol. Ya know, just doing my job trying not to go to jail for serving a minor, but suzy homemaker is in a hurry to get home and watch desperate housewives and I'm moving too slow for her.
Rob S
I've only been asked a few times to show the back of my card or ID to the cashier- most places, you swipe your card, and then I put it directly in my wallet. I find it an annoyance, actually, to have to show ID. Plus, as some previously noted, buying with a credit card affords you some protections due to fraudulent charges. This poster is lucky anyway- someone could have filled up at the pump more than a few times- no requirement to show the card or ID.
I admit I'm a bit different- after all, I get annoyed if the cashier/clerk starts to make small talk. Just ring me up so I can be on my way. Same with wait staff- take my order and be gone...
Anon 2:09...They will get over it once they get down the road..if not thats their problem. I always sign my signature to the back of my cards and I also write above it ASK TO SEE ID. I do this because some places won't take the card if you don't sign it and because I want my id checked. I'll take the chances of someone getting my birthdate and home address over being screwed by someone stealing and using my card. When I was younger and didn't have credit cards I worked retail and a few times didn't check the back of the card or ask to see id when it was written on the back and had a couple of people b***h about it and a few even asked to talk to a manager..Once I realized the importance of this I always ask to see ID. If your going to use your credit card and you have that written on the back you should get you id ready
Does anybody really think that if you show your ID, the person behind the register is going to memorize your name and address? That they'll do it with every ID they check? Really? Then what is it you think they're going to do?
Folks, when you're asked for photo ID with a credit card, it's for YOUR protection! You'll be the first to scream bloody murder at the clerk if your card is used fraudulently, I'm sure.
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