Just wanted to throw out there the Foot Locker in Times Square NYC asked me for my ID 8/25/08. I said my card is signed. They still wanted ID--something about they have lots of fraudulent charges - no wonder the clientele seems to say so -- even for Times Square.
I had to school the cashier on swiping my card, holding it, watching me sign, compare my sales slip signature to the card signature. She and another cashier overlooking did not understand that. She said once she swipes my card it “goes through” and she wanted me to sign a blank sales roll paper to prove it was my card before she swiped. Yeah, right—I only sign sales slips! They asked me for another card with my name on it and I complied even though I did not have to -- they inspected it thoroughly and proceeded to take my original payment card without ID.
Marvin the store manager was present the whole time and was rather silent than accommodative. He said they had been doing this for 5 years, and Macy's does it too. There is no sign posted about this policy -- "we just ask verbally."
I reported to MA, and my card issuer both. Also to Foot Locker, but they say they need my full name and address to launch a formal complaint to Corporate. As if I want to share my personal information with them!
A huge chain like this making a ruckus to a guy in a suit buying a pair of sneakers—the manager should have just whispered – “just swipe it and move on” Now they will get fined I bet. I hope so – they seemed so incompetent – though we were both cordial the whole time.
P.S. I told them - "they can ask, but customers can refuse" and they can't do a thing about it.
Full Version: Foot Locker ID ask
QUOTE (whar8 @ Aug 28 2008, 06:22 AM) 
Just wanted to throw out there the Foot Locker in Times Square NYC asked me for my ID 8/25/08. I said my card is signed. They still wanted ID--something about they have lots of fraudulent charges - no wonder the clientele seems to say so -- even for Times Square.
I had to school the cashier on swiping my card, holding it, watching me sign, compare my sales slip signature to the card signature. She and another cashier overlooking did not understand that. She said once she swipes my card it “goes through” and she wanted me to sign a blank sales roll paper to prove it was my card before she swiped. Yeah, right—I only sign sales slips! They asked me for another card with my name on it and I complied even though I did not have to -- they inspected it thoroughly and proceeded to take my original payment card without ID.
Marvin the store manager was present the whole time and was rather silent than accommodative. He said they had been doing this for 5 years, and Macy's does it too. There is no sign posted about this policy -- "we just ask verbally."
I reported to MA, and my card issuer both. Also to Foot Locker, but they say they need my full name and address to launch a formal complaint to Corporate. As if I want to share my personal information with them!
A huge chain like this making a ruckus to a guy in a suit buying a pair of sneakers—the manager should have just whispered – “just swipe it and move on” Now they will get fined I bet. I hope so – they seemed so incompetent – though we were both cordial the whole time.
P.S. I told them - "they can ask, but customers can refuse" and they can't do a thing about it.
I had to school the cashier on swiping my card, holding it, watching me sign, compare my sales slip signature to the card signature. She and another cashier overlooking did not understand that. She said once she swipes my card it “goes through” and she wanted me to sign a blank sales roll paper to prove it was my card before she swiped. Yeah, right—I only sign sales slips! They asked me for another card with my name on it and I complied even though I did not have to -- they inspected it thoroughly and proceeded to take my original payment card without ID.
Marvin the store manager was present the whole time and was rather silent than accommodative. He said they had been doing this for 5 years, and Macy's does it too. There is no sign posted about this policy -- "we just ask verbally."
I reported to MA, and my card issuer both. Also to Foot Locker, but they say they need my full name and address to launch a formal complaint to Corporate. As if I want to share my personal information with them!
A huge chain like this making a ruckus to a guy in a suit buying a pair of sneakers—the manager should have just whispered – “just swipe it and move on” Now they will get fined I bet. I hope so – they seemed so incompetent – though we were both cordial the whole time.
P.S. I told them - "they can ask, but customers can refuse" and they can't do a thing about it.
Sounds just like Circuit Chitty
I have the VISA/MC written policy in my wallet in the place some put their cash
..Visa believes merchants 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 WorldWide 2000 Purchase St. Purchase, NY 10577. 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 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."
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 WorldWide 2000 Purchase St. Purchase, NY 10577. 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 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."
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