AARP says:

[inspiringmind]

I was reading the actual AARP magazine today and was reading an article about Scam Alerts and they actually suggest that when you get your new credit card that you write Ask for ID on the back of the card. Should I write an email and educate the author of the article?

[hegemony]

you definitely should write to them.

 

my new Patelco card came last week and Patelco clearly states on the card-stock that the "card must be SIGNED to be valiD "

[Continental]

Yes, please do.

 

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 picture 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.

 

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 International, c/o Radio City Station, P. O. Box 1288, New York, NY 10101. 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.

 

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 issued your Visa card.

 

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."

[Big Bear]

On a related note, I've recently experimented with two newer cards. I've had each for over three months now and I have yet to sign the backs. I haven't been asked about it yet. Funny thing is, I've noticed a lot of cashiers make a point to look at the back of the card and then not ask about the lack of a signature. It perplexes me that they look for an obvious reason, but don't act when there's nothing there. Why check at that point?

[hegemony]

On a related note, I've recently experimented with two newer cards. I've had each for over three months now and I have yet to sign the backs. I haven't been asked about it yet. Funny thing is, I've noticed a lot of cashiers make a point to look at the back of the card and then not ask about the lack of a signature. It perplexes me that they look for an obvious reason, but don't act when there's nothing there. Why check at that point?

your cards are not valid and you are forfeiting all buyer protections by not signing your cards.

[inspiringmind]

I did contact him via email and explained that one It makes a card invalid. and Two most cashiers still do not ask for ID. I asked him to make a correction before all older American's start invalidating their credit cards! I don't know if he will even acknowledge my email, but I had to try. If anyone else would like to email him his name is Sid Kirchheimer and you could contact him through AARP Magazines website. Oh and the article was called Fast Lane to Your Wallet in Volume 49 No.6.

Edited July 14, 2008 by inspiringmind

[Steve_]

There's bigger fish to fry than worrying about what stores are asking for ID or not. In my experience, 99 transactions out of 100, nobody even looks at the back of my cards anyway.

 

If it makes you feel better writing CHECK ID, whatever.

 

ETA: Does anyone on this board actually have a first-hand experience getting their card denied for having written "CHECK ID" on the back? Hundreds of thousands of people do it. The real issue here is that the US needs to implement chip and pin, not argue over what to write on the back of a card. Your average cashier is not skilled enough to compare signatures anyway.

 

ETAA: Flame away.

Edited July 14, 2008 by Steve_

[toopooor]

On a related note, I've recently experimented with two newer cards. I've had each for over three months now and I have yet to sign the backs. I haven't been asked about it yet. Funny thing is, I've noticed a lot of cashiers make a point to look at the back of the card and then not ask about the lack of a signature. It perplexes me that they look for an obvious reason, but don't act when there's nothing there. Why check at that point?

My favs are the ones who say they can't accept it without a sig and hand you a pen... of course, the sigs match. I had an older card that the ink on the sig wore off and a place refused it as unsigned - that was years ago though. (I now use a sharpie to sign.)

 

Several stores I frequent now ask to see the card and are entering the CVV - while this might help reduce card fraud (although i'm not convinced it does anything), it could also make it easier to use the cc numbers if a data breach occurs.

[Mister Mister]

If it makes you feel better writing CHECK ID, whatever.

I sign the back of my cards, and write "SEE ID" on them. I know I may get a lot of flack for this, but you know what....I don't mind when someone asks for my ID. I understand that merchants are not suppose to ask for a photo ID to accept a credit card, and that it's a violation of their terms as the merchant....but me as the consumer, I'd rather not make a scene at a register or restaurant by saying "no, it's a violation to ask for my ID, take my card and that's final". Mainly because I would be embarrassed if I was with a group of people and someone started that mess. Show the ID, and be done with it.

[hegemony]

If it makes you feel better writing CHECK ID, whatever.

I sign the back of my cards, and write "SEE ID" on them. I know I may get a lot of flack for this, but you know what....I don't mind when someone asks for my ID. I understand that merchants are not suppose to ask for a photo ID to accept a credit card, and that it's a violation of their terms as the merchant....but me as the consumer, I'd rather not make a scene at a register or restaurant by saying "no, it's a violation to ask for my ID, take my card and that's final". Mainly because I would be embarrassed if I was with a group of people and someone started that mess. Show the ID, and be done with it.

I would be more concerned about invalidating the card and giving up chargeback rights, buy protection, etc.

[inspiringmind]

My favs are the ones who say they can't accept it without a sig and hand you a pen... of course, the sigs match. I had an older card that the ink on the sig wore off and a place refused it as unsigned - that was years ago though. (I now use a sharpie to sign.)

 

 

Speaking of that, I sign the back of my cards and then I put a piece of clear tape over it. It won't rub off that way. Just be careful if you do that so you don't get the tape on the magnetic strip.

[Mister Mister]

If it makes you feel better writing CHECK ID, whatever.

I sign the back of my cards, and write "SEE ID" on them. I know I may get a lot of flack for this, but you know what....I don't mind when someone asks for my ID. I understand that merchants are not suppose to ask for a photo ID to accept a credit card, and that it's a violation of their terms as the merchant....but me as the consumer, I'd rather not make a scene at a register or restaurant by saying "no, it's a violation to ask for my ID, take my card and that's final". Mainly because I would be embarrassed if I was with a group of people and someone started that mess. Show the ID, and be done with it.

I would be more concerned about invalidating the card and giving up chargeback rights, buy protection, etc.

 

I'll bite. Are there actual cases, or can anyone here attest for a time when their card was denied because it contained BOTH a signature AND an additional "SEE ID" on the back. I sign the back of the cards....anything additional shouldn't compromise that.

[hegemony]

If it makes you feel better writing CHECK ID, whatever.

I sign the back of my cards, and write "SEE ID" on them. I know I may get a lot of flack for this, but you know what....I don't mind when someone asks for my ID. I understand that merchants are not suppose to ask for a photo ID to accept a credit card, and that it's a violation of their terms as the merchant....but me as the consumer, I'd rather not make a scene at a register or restaurant by saying "no, it's a violation to ask for my ID, take my card and that's final". Mainly because I would be embarrassed if I was with a group of people and someone started that mess. Show the ID, and be done with it.

I would be more concerned about invalidating the card and giving up chargeback rights, buy protection, etc.

 

I'll bite. Are there actual cases, or can anyone here attest for a time when their card was denied because it contained BOTH a signature AND an additional "SEE ID" on the back. I sign the back of the cards....anything additional shouldn't compromise that.

I am not sure. Do you write the see id in the signature panel?

 

checking ID does not protect the consumer.

[inspiringmind]

ETA: Does anyone on this board actually have a first-hand experience getting their card denied for having written "CHECK ID" on the back? Hundreds of thousands of people do it. The real issue here is that the US needs to implement chip and pin, not argue over what to write on the back of a card. Your average cashier is not skilled enough to compare signatures anyway.

 

ETAA: Flame away.

 

No flames here, but Yes, in another thread we had there were a few people that actually had their card denied because they had see ID on it and/or it was not signed. That is not the point here though...the point here is if you write See ID instead of signing it you are invalidating the contract you have with the credit card company. On most credit cards (99% of them) it says right there in the back, "NOT valid if there is no signature." ad lib. Yes, a company may accept the card for payment, but in reality if the credit card company knew there was not a signature you would not have approved the payment and they would cancel the account.

[Continental]

Never show ID for signed credit card purchases.

 

No ID required for signed credit card purchases. Merchants cannot require ID.

 

If a merchant tries to require ID, immediately call 1-800-VISA-911 to ensure they never do again.

 

VISA: 1-800-VISA-911

MasterCard: 1-800-300-3069

 

 

Also easily report merchant violations online at:

 

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

 

Check the box that says "Merchant required ID"

 

 

 

Never show ID for signed credit card purchases.

 

No ID required for signed credit card purchases.

 

Make sure your community is 100% violation-free.

[Mister Mister]

I am not sure. Do you write the see id in the signature panel?

 

checking ID does not protect the consumer.

 

Yep, to the right of the signature....just before the CVV. I do both in Sharpie.

 

At any rate, I probably get my 'ID Checked' once every 10 times I use any card (which is probably baffling to those who tell the merchants they will not produce ID, and then educate them at the point-of-sale on the violations they are commiting), but honestly it's not am inconvenience for me. The security is in the card, not the merchant. I just don't see how producing a picture ID along with the card to a merchant, makes any security with the transaction null and void? If my cards go stolen, I would much rather have a merchant ask for a photo ID to the thief that took that card, because it says "SEE ID" next to my signature...than not, and me having to include that transaction in my fraud/ID theft form to the CC and police.

[Mister Mister]

Never show ID for signed credit card purchases.

 

Why? So it's against their terms as a merchant....let them fight that fight.....not me. Maybe I just have too-little time on my hands during the day, and would rather spend my time writing out violations to the FCRA than listing the violations verbally to a merchant employee who doesn't know me from ding-a-ling on the street.

[hegemony]

I am not sure. Do you write the see id in the signature panel?

 

checking ID does not protect the consumer.

 

Yep, to the right of the signature....just before the CVV. I do both in Sharpie.

 

At any rate, I probably get my 'ID Checked' once every 10 times I use any card (which is probably baffling to those who tell the merchants they will not produce ID, and then educate them at the point-of-sale on the violations they are commiting), but honestly it's not am inconvenience for me. The security is in the card, not the merchant. I just don't see how producing a picture ID along with the card to a merchant, makes any security with the transaction null and void? If my cards go stolen, I would much rather have a merchant ask for a photo ID to the thief that took that card, because it says "SEE ID" next to my signature...than not, and me having to include that transaction in my fraud/ID theft form to the CC and police.

 

so "see ID" is not even working the way you intend it to? probably because most merchants know it is a violation for them to ask for ID.

 

Asking for ID is basically the same as the merchant accusing the consumer of being a credit card thief.

[Mister Mister]

I am not sure. Do you write the see id in the signature panel?

 

checking ID does not protect the consumer.

 

Yep, to the right of the signature....just before the CVV. I do both in Sharpie.

 

At any rate, I probably get my 'ID Checked' once every 10 times I use any card (which is probably baffling to those who tell the merchants they will not produce ID, and then educate them at the point-of-sale on the violations they are commiting), but honestly it's not am inconvenience for me. The security is in the card, not the merchant. I just don't see how producing a picture ID along with the card to a merchant, makes any security with the transaction null and void? If my cards go stolen, I would much rather have a merchant ask for a photo ID to the thief that took that card, because it says "SEE ID" next to my signature...than not, and me having to include that transaction in my fraud/ID theft form to the CC and police.

 

so "see ID" is not even working the way you intend it to? probably because most merchants know it is a violation for them to ask for ID.

 

Asking for ID is basically the same as the merchant accusing the consumer of being a credit card thief.

It never works....that's the overall issue in my case, that merchants don't compare the signature with that of the one on the back of the card, which is what they are suppose to do according to card/merchant terms. Who's to say the employee at the retail store has the ability to decipher between the two? How about those little electronic signature pads on many POS systems at checkouts, those things are horrible and never calibrated. If they were to compare the signature on the back of my card, to that....I would never be able to buy anything.

 

On a side note, why does the DMV have you sign your drivers license, which is then imprinted on the front....what purpose would that serve, if not to compare it to a signed copy of something, perhaps a credit card slip?

Edited July 14, 2008 by Mister Mister

[Steve_]

No flames here, but Yes, in another thread we had there were a few people that actually had their card denied because they had see ID on it and/or it was not signed. That is not the point here though...the point here is if you write See ID instead of signing it you are invalidating the contract you have with the credit card company. On most credit cards (99% of them) it says right there in the back, "NOT valid if there is no signature." ad lib. Yes, a company may accept the card for payment, but in reality if the credit card company knew there was not a signature you would not have approved the payment and they would cancel the account.

 

I don't write it on my cards, but as a previous poster said, signing and writing check id doesn't invalidate the contract. It's probably not binding on a retailer to actually check your id, but I don't think they're violating their contract if/when they ask the customer for it.

 

The ID card fanatics here simplify this too much. VISA doesn't prohibit asking for ID -- a merchant just can't make it a condition of acceptance. MC says you can't ask IIRC. AmEX has no id policy, just that there can't be any barriers to acceptance over what you do for other cards (thus, if a merchant accepts only AmEx they can ask you for your ID allllll day long). I don't know what discover's policy is.

 

At the end of the day, it doesn't matter. Check ID probably doesn't prevent fraud, but I don't think it really promotes it either. If a fraudster wants to know your address so he can buy things online, he'll ask for your id anyway. If you don't give it to him, someone else will.

 

The US needs a better system, chip and pin is one although it's debatable if its much more secure (http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2005/oct/16/creditcards.debt).

[hegemony]

The ID card fanatics here simplify this too much. VISA doesn't prohibit asking for ID -- a merchant just can't make it a condition of acceptance. MC says you can't ask IIRC. AmEX has no id policy, just that there can't be any barriers to acceptance over what you do for other cards (thus, if a merchant accepts only AmEx they can ask you for your ID allllll day long). I don't know what discover's policy is.

I am not a fanatic, I just don't like being accused of being a credit card thief.

[Steve_]

The ID card fanatics here simplify this too much. VISA doesn't prohibit asking for ID -- a merchant just can't make it a condition of acceptance. MC says you can't ask IIRC. AmEX has no id policy, just that there can't be any barriers to acceptance over what you do for other cards (thus, if a merchant accepts only AmEx they can ask you for your ID allllll day long). I don't know what discover's policy is.

I am not a fanatic, I just don't like being accused of being a credit card thief.

 

I would never call you a fanatic, hege.

[hegemony]

The ID card fanatics here simplify this too much. VISA doesn't prohibit asking for ID -- a merchant just can't make it a condition of acceptance. MC says you can't ask IIRC. AmEX has no id policy, just that there can't be any barriers to acceptance over what you do for other cards (thus, if a merchant accepts only AmEx they can ask you for your ID allllll day long). I don't know what discover's policy is.

I am not a fanatic, I just don't like being accused of being a credit card thief.

 

I would never call you a fanatic, hege.

LOL. well on some things I am one to a fault.

[Continental]

Merchants cannot require ID and should not ask for ID as part of their regular card acceptance procedures, so if you are ever asked for ID, immediately call 1-800-VISA-911 to ensure the practice is stopped at once. Make sure your community is 100% violation-free.

 

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 picture 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.

 

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 International, c/o Radio City Station, P. O. Box 1288, New York, NY 10101. 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.

 

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 issued your Visa card.

 

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."

[Steve_]

Is Continental a bot? Sheesh