March 11, 2009
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Credit Card Signatures, Pt.2
Are the clerks required to check ID?Supposing you don't sign the credit card but do specify an ID check on the back. What could happen? If things are done correctly and the credit card is a VISA, the clerk would be violating to VISA rules by checking ID and allowing a purchase. First of all, the rules state the credit card must be signed. Secondly, the rules also state that credit card purchases cannot be conditioned on a demand to present ID. A thief can refuse to present ID and be just fine with VISA rules.
Of course, your hope is that every time the credit card is used, the sales person will ask for ID, preferably a picture ID (like a driver's license) and, also check the signature on the back of the credit card against the one you sign on the charge receipt. I've been using this technique for three years now and I've found that, of those clerks who've never seen me before, less than one-in-five will actually ask for my ID. Of course, I always thank them for doing that and impress on them how important this is. So, at least, it's somewhat effective (20% of the time).
So, what about the other 80% of the time? If there's a line behind you, the clerk is probably under pressure to get that line down. Taking the time to check ID may make the other customers in line angry, especially if they don't want their ID checked when it's their turn.
Often times, though, they just don't bother. Their job (in their mind) is to just check you out and take your money. You're not the one signing their paycheck.
If they're higher-level, like a manager, then they probably know that it's against VISA rules to ask for ID. At this point, they must decide if to extend this courtesy to you or just follow the rules.