It's For Your Protection

I was thinking about something for a bit. I am one of those people who absolutely hate being asked for additional identification when making a credit card purchase.

I read this and I thought about it more [clicky here].

Why do I hate this practice so much? Because I firmly believe with every fiber of my being that this practice is unevenly practiced. That is, some people may be asked more than others and that this practice may not adhere to a company's policy or to that of the credit card issuer. I happen to be a dark-skinned male living in a predominately light-skinned community/area. I believe, based on my observations, that this practice is unevenly practiced.

I've experienced both extremes: I've not been asked for any ID at all when making a $2,000 purchase and I've been asked for additional ID when making a $5 purchase.

When I'm asked nowadays, I can hardly contain myself. I feel it coming:

Cashier: Thank you, may I see your ID?

Me: What do you mean?

Cashier: Can I see your license?

Me: Why?

Cashier: It's for your protection.

Me: How so? I'm not driving in here.

Cashier: Uh, so nobody else can use your credit card?

Me: I don't really care since I have "zero dollar" protection. In fact, how does someone else using my card impact your organization?

Cashier: The credit card companies require it.

Me: Actually, they don't. In fact, in many states it's illegal for you to ask for additional identification. The big three - Amex, Visa, and MasterCard only require you sign your cards for them to be valid, so those "Ask for ID" mopes are using their cards contrary to their agreement with those companies.

Cashier: We ask everyone.

Me: No you don't, I just watched three transactions where you didn't.

Cashier: Well, we're supposed to ask everyone.

Me: Well you didn't. Do you have a written policy on this practice?

Cashier: I'm sure we do.

Me: Can I see this policy?

Cashier: I'd have to ask.

Me: Have you read this policy?

Cashier: No, but they tell me to check everyone.

Me: But, you didn't.

Cashier: I try to.

Me: Do you really think I'm going to rip off [insert chain store here] for, what's that, $27.40? If I were going to rip you off, it would be for THOUSANDS! I feel insulted now.

Cashier: Sir, I'm not trying to imply anything.

Me: Yes you are, actually. You've implied that 1) I'm a thief; and, 2) I'm dumb.

Cashier: I'm not calling you either.

Me: Well, can I see your policy?

Cashier (or Manager at this point): We're not allowed to show our policies to customers, it's for our protection.

Me: So, your internal policy could be, "Ask BLACKS for ID."

Manager: Sir, I'm insulted by the accusation.

Me: Ha! You're insulted?! You're telling me that 1) you operate a business which practices what could be called policies that discriminate against some types of people in violation to the U.S. Civil Rights Act (sounds good); 2) you cannot demonstrate that you don't because of you so-called proprietary policies; 3) you train your cashiers to enforce such policies but you don't train your staff that the policies are contrary to the credit card companies agreement with you; and, 4) you train your cashiers to enforce such policies but you don't train your staff that the policies are contrary to the law in many states. Additionally, you tell me that this horrible treatment is all for my protection and El Manajor is insulted.

Manager: Uh...

Problem is, briefly, this practice does absolutely nothing to protect the customer or the vendor. It protects the credit card companies, but not the customer. It's akin to taking your shoes off and pouring out your water at the airport.

We live in a mope world.