Originally Posted by ClassCAir
Why does Visa and MC make it such a big deal?... prohibiting ID requirements. I am happy when I am asked to show ID. It just means it is one less place a pick-pocket can charge up my credit card. Lowes asks for ID as well. I haven't noticed it at Wal-Mart. With all of the credit card fraud and Identity theft, I would think people would be looking for more ways to confirm the identity of the credit card user... not less.
These policies are not in place to protect you. They are in place to protect the bank and the merchant. The $5/hour clerks who mimic the mantra they have been told to repeat have no idea what they are talking about--they are merely wind-ups. You are already protected by the fair credit act and Reg Z. Your liability in most cases is zero--in some cases is $50 (most banks waive all liability--a perk offered to you in their advertising even though it’s the law). It's a load of tripe.
The banks and merchants have done a wonderful job of shoving the "it's for your protection" mantra at the consumer. I, for one, will never release any more information than I (not them) deem absolutely necessary--certainly not to protect their ...-etts. I stand firm against all attempts to breach privacy rights or civil liberties. Others have died for less--just doing my part. With the ludicrous add on fees and interest rates I lose no sleep knowing that they take a loss now and then.
Originally Posted by Sanosuke
If you've seen the case of the $250,000 blunder one guy made, you'd understand why they wanted that thumbprint.
Sanosuke!
Their problem ... not his.
Originally Posted by ranles
My Visa has my picture on it! I think this is a good thing. I don't put my signature on the back. I want the clerk to ask for ID, if they think there is a problem.
Your picture is also now digitized and in the banks database, to do with what they like, at their whim.
Originally Posted by pterostyrax
Indeed, I have signed "See I.D." in the signature location on the back of all my cards. I get asked for my I.D. less than half the time, which is rather disconcerting.
But why? Why do you expend such energy to protect them? They created the flawed system for their benefit--not yours. Any perceived benefit to you is incidental to their objective of profiting at your expense. Don't be their wind-up.
okay--I'm off my soapbox now.
;-)