class-action lawsuits against retailers asking for ZIP-codes

[Marty716]

Pay with cash...if they ask any questions walk away.

WHAT REWARD DOES THIS CASH STUFF GIVE???

It gives me a psychological buzz, and that is all the rewards I need!

[GEORGE]

Pay with cash...if they ask any questions walk away.

WHAT REWARD DOES THIS CASH STUFF GIVE???

It gives me a psychological buzz, and that is all the rewards I need!

What ever floats your boat...or sinks it

 

I would use a no rewards credit card BEFORE I would use EXPENSIVE CASH

 

...but that is me

Edited April 21, 2009 by GEORGE

[webworm98]

Merchants can easily get out of this lawsuit. Just say suing the wrong party. It is their processor or the credit card company that requires it. Merchants hands are tied. Terminals are programmed to request zip codes, who programs them the merchant provider.

 

 

As for debit card zip codes request.

If I ran it through as a signature transaction, I been asked once.

If I ran it through as a pin transactions, I have not be asked-yet.

Edited April 21, 2009 by webworm98

[thelowpriceleader]

As I pointed out, Kmart is one major retailer that asks for zip codes for marketing purposes only for debit or credit (excluding AmEx) (or food stamp- I forgot that one) customers.

 

Many retailers prompt a zip code request on the cashier's end for various forms of payment, cash included, such as Petsmart, Big 5, Kohls, Grocery Outlet in some cases, Trader Joes in some cases... in this case the customer can DECLINE to provide their zip code; it is not required.

 

I suspect the only settlement that will come out of this lawsuit is more clear signage indicating just what the zip code question is for (is it for marketing, or is it to trace to the credit card)? In most cases, it is for marketing.

[FlyingRon]

Radio Shack (at least corporately) never asked for a phone number to buy batteries.

What they asked for was a mailing address, which they've fortunately retreated from.

 

By the way, with regard to zip codes, what do you think is going to be asked on the

Code10 call anyhow. Been there done that.

[GEORGE]

Radio Shack (at least corporately) never asked for a phone number to buy batteries.

What they asked for was a mailing address, which they've fortunately retreated from.

 

By the way, with regard to zip codes, what do you think is going to be asked on the

Code10 call anyhow. Been there done that.

I got sales papers BECAUSE they were given my name and address

 

The phone number was a SHORT CUT to the name and address

 

Have not been to one in like 5 or 10 years

 

I liked the sales papers in the mail

 

I AM NOT LIKE SOME WHO FEAR MAIL IN THEIR MAILBOX

[Continental]

Consumers should not have to keep track of which merchant does this, which merchant does that, which merchant does what with what, and other such nonsense. In addition to the credit card rules, state laws prohibit merchants from requiring additional information when accepting credit cards. Merchants cannot make note of your phone number, address, driver's license or other personal information. They can't even hint to consumers that such information is required. Consumers can sue merchants that require additional information with credit card transactions and win big money. Civil penalties of $250 for the first violation and $1,000 for subsequent violations are awarded to consumers when merchants break this law.

 

CREDIT CARD SIGNATURE IS ALL THE ID NEEDED

 

When you pay for merchandise with a Visa card, MasterCard, or American Express any store that accepts these cards should accept yours too, no questions asked. It's part of the deal that merchants agree to when they become participating members.

 

They must check your signature and the card - electronically or by telephone - to be sure it's valid. Once the answer comes up yes, they can go ahead and charge. They can't ask you for any further identification - not a license plate number, Social Security number, proof of address, phone number or photo ID.

 

Your personal ID isn't needed because Visa, MasterCard, and American Express all guarantee payment on cards that have been properly checked. If the issuer mistakenly authorizes a sale on a bad card, it should make good. MasterCard says that merchants receive instant settlement. The contract MasterCard merchants sign specifically prevents them from asking for personal ID.

 

Unfortunately, not all merchants play by the rules. Some, apparently, haven't read them.

 

WHAT YOU CAN DO

 

MasterCard wants to hear about merchants who break their rules. Send the name and address and an account of what happened to MasterCard WorldWide 2000 Purchase St. Purchase, NY 10577 or call 1-800-300-3069. The merchant's bank will get a stiff letter, ordering it to investigate and bring the offending store into line - or pay a $2,000 fine. You may also report violations online:

 

http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/c...violations.html

 

Visa enforces the same rules as MasterCard. "When we hear about a violation, we ask the bank that signed the merchant to get together with the merchant and see that the practice is stopped," Visa representative states. To report a merchant, send a letter to the bank that that issued your Visa card or call 1-800-VISA-911.

 

American Express also prohibits merchants from asking for IDs. "All a merchant is supposed to do is take an imprint, make sure the signature matches and swipe the card through the terminal, to get authorization."

[thelowpriceleader]

I just remembered the last retailer where I had a zip code hassle: Toys R Us. I told them I did not want to give my zip code. The cashier said just make up some numbers any numbers. I came up with a random series of numbers and the cashier was satisfied. After quizzing the cashier, she said they had to ask for zip codes, could not bypass it, and could not make a zip code up. She said they had been skipping asking or making them up, but got in trouble, and basically had to "force" a zip code out of the customer. I don't know how the corporate office can tell if the cashier makes up a bogus zip code or the customer. Wal Mart doesn't want any zip code bs; no wonder they are the largest U.S. toy retailer now.

[webworm98]

I just remembered the last retailer where I had a zip code hassle: Toys R Us. I told them I did not want to give my zip code. The cashier said just make up some numbers any numbers. I came up with a random series of numbers and the cashier was satisfied. After quizzing the cashier, she said they had to ask for zip codes, could not bypass it, and could not make a zip code up. She said they had been skipping asking or making them up, but got in trouble, and basically had to "force" a zip code out of the customer. I don't know how the corporate office can tell if the cashier makes up a bogus zip code or the customer. Wal Mart doesn't want any zip code bs; no wonder they are the largest U.S. toy retailer now.

 

 

The reason they ask for the zip code, is it may be required by the merchant provider like I said above. It could even be required by the Card companies themselves.

 

So, quit trying to blame the merchant. I do not mind giving my zip code out.

 

When you put the wrong zip code in, wouldnt it deny the transaction?

 

The largest toy retailer is Toy R Us not wal-mart as of Dec 2008. Reason, they have a better selection then wal-mart

 

They may have moved to second can not find any info on that, mainly because of the economy and the failed kb toy store. For some reason Toys R Us thought small town couldn't handle a big "Toys R US" but that is not true.

Edited April 22, 2009 by webworm98

[centex]

So, quit trying to blame the merchant. I do not mind giving my zip code out.

 

Exactly...and actually I am still waiting for continental to show up in my driveway, but so far I guess there must be too many other people in the 78746 and 78701 areas for him to have gotten to me...

 

When you put the wrong zip code in, wouldnt it deny the transaction?

 

Only if it was being sought for AVS purposes. If it is simply a demographic tracking, then it has NO CONNECTION WHATSOEVER to the credit card, a significant fact being lost on the cut-and-paster in the thread...

[thelowpriceleader]

Wrong webworm. My wallet was still in my pocket during the zip code conversation at Toys R Us. When the cashier totaled my transaction, a prompt came up on the cashier's side to enter zip code - BEFORE the payment type was known.

 

Very, very few merchants use zip code verification for credit card transactions unless it is with AmEx. Visa and MC actually prohibit (unless special permission is given) most merchants from requiring a zip code for a normal card present/card swiped/cashier performed transaction unless it is a self serve payment terminal (gas pump, self checkout, etc.).

 

Better spend more time with the Visa and MC guidelines webworm, so get things straight on this subject.

[webworm98]

Wrong webworm. My wallet was still in my pocket during the zip code conversation at Toys R Us. When the cashier totaled my transaction, a prompt came up on the cashier's side to enter zip code - BEFORE the payment type was known.

 

Very, very few merchants use zip code verification for credit card transactions unless it is with AmEx. Visa and MC actually prohibit (unless special permission is given) most merchants from requiring a zip code for a normal card present/card swiped/cashier performed transaction unless it is a self serve payment terminal (gas pump, self checkout, etc.).

 

Better spend more time with the Visa and MC guidelines webworm, so get things straight on this subject.

 

 

Same goes for you. I have a Mastercard credit card as well as a Mastercard debit card. I dont use any visa card.

 

 

Go to speedyway using a Mastercard Credit card (Not the speedyway Mastercard). When you insert the credit card, it will ask for the zip code. What is even stranger. It still ask for the zip code, even if you use speedyway card first. Go figure. When using the card at pay at the pump.

[GEORGE]

I just remembered the last retailer where I had a zip code hassle: Toys R Us. I told them I did not want to give my zip code. The cashier said just make up some numbers any numbers. I came up with a random series of numbers and the cashier was satisfied. After quizzing the cashier, she said they had to ask for zip codes, could not bypass it, and could not make a zip code up. She said they had been skipping asking or making them up, but got in trouble, and basically had to "force" a zip code out of the customer. I don't know how the corporate office can tell if the cashier makes up a bogus zip code or the customer. Wal Mart doesn't want any zip code bs; no wonder they are the largest U.S. toy retailer now.

90012 DOWNTOWN LA "IF" THEY ASK WHERE THAT ZIP CODE IS...

 

(assuming it is not a double check for the credit card)

 

When we were doing a ZIP CODE survey for a new store...we just used our own ZIP CODE of the store "IF" they refused

 

99% OF THE PEOPLE WHO REFUSED WERE PAYING CASH

[GEORGE]

SHOW DRIVER'S LICENSE or GIVE ZIP CODE...ZIP CODE WINS HANDS DOWN

[thelowpriceleader]

Webworm, the gas pump is an unattended payment device- this is allowed to require zip code to process the credit card (AVS). Retailers are not allowed to require a zip code for a credit card transaction with a regular human cashier unless there is a special agreement with AmEx or Visa/MC have given them special permission (VERY rare). I have explained this multiple times now. What was unclear about my first message?

[EvilMan]

Again the burdon of proof is that the merchants are using it for CC processing

[GEORGE]

Again the burdon of proof is that the merchants are using it for CC processing

Type in the wrong ZIP CODE and see what happens

 

[Uncle Leo]

So just make one up* if you're so paranoid that you think black helicopters will land on your lawn when you get home. Use the next town over. Learn the White House's zip code. Sheesh, talk about tilting at windmills.

 

*-For in-person marketing queries, not for pay-at-the-pump type transactions.

Edited April 25, 2009 by Uncle Leo

[Continental]

ZIP CODE or DRIVER'S LICENSE

None of the above.

[GEORGE]

ZIP CODE or DRIVER'S LICENSE

None of the above.

[Continental]

ZIP CODE or DRIVER'S LICENSE

None of the above.

Both illegal. Hence the lawsuits..

[GEORGE]

ASKING FOR A ZIP CODE IS FINE WITH ME

[webworm98]

ASKING FOR A ZIP CODE IS FINE WITH ME

 

I agree with Geogre. Asking for zip is ok with me.

Edited April 26, 2009 by webworm98

[GEORGE]

You "FEAR" giving your real ZIP CODE...use 90021...it is one of the many in DOWNTOWN LA

[hegemony]

ZIP CODE or DRIVER'S LICENSE

None of the above.

Both illegal. Hence the lawsuits..

LIKE I NEED ANOTHER CHECK FOR 38 CENTS