When you pay by credit card and a merchant asks you for your ZIP code, phone number, driver's license or Social Security number, do you have to show it to complete the sale?
In most cases, the answer is no. In some instances, asking for personal information may violate store policy, credit card merchant agreements and even state law.
Consumer advocates advise just saying no when asked to give information beyond what is necessary for a transaction — an address for shipping purposes or a Social Security number if you're opening a line of credit, for instance.
"At best, you are exposing yourself to unwanted junk mail or solicitations," says Joe Ridout with Consumer Action in San Francisco. "At worst, say, you are giving your Social Security number, you could be placing yourself at higher risk for identity theft."
10 comments:
There are some automated gas pumps that require your ZIP code to be input as a PIN, and I'd rather do that than have the transaction cut off before my tank is full.
You should not have to show anything more than your signature, and if your signature matches the one on the back of the card, that should be sufficient.
IF there is any doubt, then showing a picture ID to verify you are who you say you are should not be a problem.
ASKING for your SSN to complete a CC transaction is a no-no in any case.
Here is a test for you. I tried to purchase something at Dick's Sporting Goods with my card that has my picture on it, and because there was no signature the manager still wanted my License. She told me it did not matter that my picture was on my card. Shw would not sell to me if I did not get my license.
so don't buy there.
When asked for anything other than the credit card I say no. The few times clerks said it was required I merely told them politely that shopping online was cheaper, easier, and didn't require ID. Once was at Staples two days after using the same card for an online purchase - haven't been back since. The last time was at Circuit City - wonder where those folks are working.
And retailers complain about the loss of business - hrumph!
I have a question for you all...if you have a credit card and you have signed the back of it..I as an employee of a retail store am not required to ask you for ID..Just suppose you laid that signed card down somewhere and someone picked it up...they can legally use your card with no problems..Is that what you all want? When a card is presented to us with no signature we require a license with a picture..This is only to protect you as a consumer..very easy this day and time to be taken with a credit card...So no signature, no ID, no sale...only for your protection...
It was, some time ago, Sears policy to give your SS Number when opening an account. I refused to give it out so therefore have no account there.
Does anyone know if that's still their policy?
Yes, UNLESS you have a pic on the front. AND with that, some cashiers still want ID,,DAHH, thats what the pic is for! ID the person whos using the card!
3:48 - Read the entire article; 1) you are offering almost no protection whatever as a cardholder's maximum exposure is $50 2) by asking you are violating VISA's master account agreement. Unsigned or signed "Picture ID only" is OK, otherwise the store could lose the ability to accept a VISA or Mastercard.
6:49 & 5:19 - To open an account most creditors require a SSN to be able to run a credit check; if a cashier wants an ID time to shop elsewhere after reporting the store. Again, spelled out in the article.
My credit cards and bank debit cards read SEE ID on the signature line.
It does suprise me how many stores will NOT ask for my ID even though that is on my card!
When they DO ask, I thank them for asking.
I have no problem proving I am the card owner using the card. Anyone who does have a problem with it maybe shouldn't have credit cards or maybe they just WANT to suffer through identity theft?!
Proving your identity is for YOUR protection, period!
11:31 has it right.. it takes literally years to get your life and credit straight after having been the victim of identity theft. I don't care if they ask for ID. Good for them trying to protect you & I. Consumers & merchants lose Billions each year to fraudulent credit card use. Thats why you pay such high interest on them. Crybabies.. always want to moan the most when it's YOU they're trying to protect. Give em a break and quit whining.
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