[XCSSA] OFF TOPIC: "Say No to Photo-ID" for Cred Card purchases...

[X-otic Computer Systems of San Antonio]

X-otic Computer Systems of San Antonio wrote:
> Sorry for the off topic post.. But I don't know how many times now I've 
> been "required" to show a photo ID when using my CC.. but I'm really getting 
> sick of it.  Your self validating signature (in person and on back of the 
> card) is all that is required legally by both Visa and Master Card* 
> 
> Has anyone else had problems bucking this?

The signature on the back of your card is an acceptance of the agreement 
between you and the credit card company.  It doesn't validate your identity 
or your purchase.  The fact that merchants may check the signature on the 
card against your signature for the purchase is a rudimentary verification 
of your identity, but the signature on the receipt, too, is not a validation 
of your identity, but your agreement to pay that amount according to your 
credit card agreement.

The fact that merchants check signature or ask for ID is their way to combat 
fraudulent charges, for which they must pay if the charges are disputed by 
the card holder and they are found to be invalid.  Merchants have the right 
to refuse service to anyone, and failing to allow them to verify your 
identity before allowing you to use a credit card doesn't make it illegal 
for them to refuse to service you.

I, for one, have ALWAYS written "CHECK ID" in the signature block on the 
back my cards, and I welcome more vigilant ID checking in a society where 
credit card fraud is, unfortunately, more commonplace than you think.

Nick