by Sergeiovich » Sat Nov 15, 2003 6:34 am
I work in retail myself, and I always check the signature panel on the back. I also pay attention to how the person presents the card, and how they act. If they make me curious, I always ask. If they are buying over $100 worth of stuff, I ask. Some customers get REALLY upset when I ask for their ID, but when I explain that I ask b/c i wouldnt want to see them be a victim of ID theft, they are usually cool with it. When someone still refuses to show me ID, I generally ask them for another form of payment (which I can do, btw).
This whole thing is one reason why I like shopping at best buy... they ALWAYS ask for ID. (I usually have it ready anyway). Although it is funny when I sign my credit card slip "John Doe" (my real name is much longer), and they dont ask for ID.
One thing that has always gotten me tho is how people interpret me asking for ID. I actually had one guy accuse me of being racist. I'm white, and he wasnt, and the guy before him bought a $25 item, and was totally comfortable giving me the card. This guy was buying a $150 item, and fumbled around for a minute getting his card... after switching cards. I wasnt sure whether I should have laughed, or been insulted. That day was *certainly* interesting!
Yes, I have issues. And I am proud of every single one of them.