Why do some people take offense to the “See ID” request on the back of credit/debit cards?
By Meaghan Ziemba, Associate Editor, PD&D
 "I’ve had my card stolen a couple of times, and because some individuals ignored the demand, I’ve made high-tech computer software program purchases off of Chinese websites and acquired $300 worth of men’s clothing somewhere in North Dakota." |
I went out to dinner with a childhood friend this weekend. We talked about her mother’s recent passing, our childhood, and plans for the future over chicken alfredo pasta and cheese ravioli. The food was great, the wine crisp, and we had a courteous waiter…that is until I paid for the bill.
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He presented the black leather bill-holder with the same smile and polite tone he gave us the entire meal. I placed my card in the plastic holder and put the holder on the end of the table and continued my hair conversation that my friend and I had reached during the desert portion.
He grabbed the booklet, stating he would be right back. A few seconds later he stomped his way to our table, threw the card in front of me, and said, “It says see ID!”
I look at my friend in disbelief, wondering if we just entered the twilight zone or if this guy was for real. I searched through my wallet and presented him my license, thanking him for checking and how I appreciated his initiative.
“It’s you,” he sneered and walked back the cash register.
This wasn’t the first time I had received evil glares over my “See ID” precaution. Cashiers at department stores, gas clerks, waiters/waitresses and bartenders have all given me deadly stares for making them add another step in their checkout ceremony. And why? Why do some people take offense to the request on the back of credit/debit cards?
I’ve had my card stolen a couple of times, and because some individuals ignored the demand, I’ve made high-tech computer software program purchases off of Chinese websites and acquired $300 worth of men’s clothing somewhere in North Dakota. And I’m not the only victim.
My siblings, friends and former co-workers all have had cards asking that their identity be checked but still lost money because their pleas were ignored. But when it’s not ignored, some people take offense to the request and make sure you know about it, as though their workday has been ruined, because they need to ask someone for their identification to make sure the card matches the person who is paying.
What’s a few extra seconds? Do they become so annoyed that they finally just give up and stop asking for people’s licenses? Or are there just too many trusting people in this world that they give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they are just too embarrassed to ask someone for their card because they’re afraid to be the offensive one.
With the extra precaution, identity theft could be decreased, check fraud could be caught more frequently, and individuals’ money could be protected from making unwanted purchases. Granted there are other higher security measures needed for ultimate protection, but starting out small could end with big results. Especially with online theft where it’s harder to check one’s identity.
I’m going to write “See ID, please” on my next card. Hopefully the added politeness will warm the takers hearts, and they won’t feel as bad or offended checking my plea of theft prevention. Then I won’t get charged again for computer software I never knew existed, or $300 Armani pants for men.
What are your thoughts? E-mail comments to meaghan.ziemba@advantagemedia.com