Comments on: Can You Refuse to Show ID with Visa Credit Card?

By: Fraud Consultant

Fraud Consultant — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:28:36 +0000

You are confusing ID theft (where a crook somehow obtains enough information to open a credit card account or other under your name – typically your SSN, Name, Address and DOB) with credit card theft where a crook either steels your credit card or makes a duplicate using the info on the magnetic stripe). The first is far more damaging then the second. A SSN cannot be easily re-issued, while a credit card can. Also, you are typically not responsible for purchases made under your name with a compromised card (Maximum $50 liability). The card is re-issued. End of the story.

As for the merchant, if the card is present during the transaction (as opposed to online purchased) and if the merchant checked the signature on the back, the merchant is not liable in case of fraud.

From the merchant perspective, he is allowed to ask you for an ID but if you chose not to present it, he should still go ahead and take your credit card. Businesses such as the one you described are violating Visa/MC/Amex rules and should be exposed.

In a free country, no one should be obliged to present ID unless required by law!

By: idtheftvictim

idtheftvictim — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:35:28 +0000

I’m with swardm. I’m not sure what sort of government conspiracy you’re worried about, but as a victim of ID theft that has taken years to clean up , I wish that even 1 of the stores this theft ring had shopped at would have required ID. It was easy for them to change my address with the cc company, easy for them to order a replacement card and sign it with their own signature, but it would have been much more difficult for them to produce an ID with someone elses’ picture and my name! Whenever I am asked for a photo ID, I say “thank you” and you should too. After more than 5 years in jail, I bet the ringleader wished they had asked for ID too.

By: Gerry

Gerry — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:55:44 +0000

You can “deny it”, but it might not work. I know that my local Dollar Tree, apparently on instructions from corporate HQ, refuses to process a credit card transaction without ID. Not only has Dollar Tree refused to obey the merchant agreement – even after being informed of the violations, but Visa itself will do nothing to enforce the rules.

By: swardm

swardm — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 02:13:07 +0000

HELLLOOO Think about this. Someone steals your purse, wallet, whatever you keep that precious little VISA card with your signature on it (big whoop..a signature) goes to the IHOP, Chinese restaurant, bestbuy, whereever…and whips out YOUR VISA CARD. BINGO they get away with all kinds of free food, gift cards, etc whatever they want to get with YOUR VISA CARD Then later..MUCH later, after you have to jump thru many hoops even if it says on that fine print that you dont owe it..it still haunts your credit and you still will have to fight to get the charges off..and change your card number and hassle after hassle..plus you sure wont get to use that card UNTIL the matter is cleared up because the thief MAXED it out! NOW. Think about that the next time some merchant is trying to SAVE your neck by cutting back on credit card theft!!!!

By: driver50

driver50 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:07:34 +0000

I immediately take a salt shaker and salt my food without even tasting it first. ,

By: Lucky225

Lucky225 — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 07:19:17 +0000

Same thing happened to me at IHOP, they threatened to call the police, I told them go ahead, there’s no law requiring me to show an ID to them either, and I don’t have one on me, so if you want to get paid I suggest you take my card. The police can try to arrest me but the charges will get dropped as the merchant didn’t comply with the rules, I wasn’t refusing to pay, they were refusing to accept the payment.

By: 5 Common Mistakes A Merchant Will Make to Your Credit Card | MyCardBlog

5 Common Mistakes A Merchant Will Make to Your Credit Card | MyCardBlog — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 06:14:25 +0000

[...] have two posts about how to deal with “Show ID with Credit Card” problem. (post 1 and post 2) Some merchants may require you to present your ID at checkout but it’s a violation of the [...]

By: Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup — Sun, 25 May 2008 04:42:07 +0000

Well it is silly for the business owner to deny the purchase simply because they did not show ID. Especially since the back of the card was signed!

By: You're Officially Protected For not Showing ID at Checkout | MyCardBlog

You're Officially Protected For not Showing ID at Checkout | MyCardBlog — Sat, 24 May 2008 13:03:49 +0000

[...] “Can You Refuse to Show ID with Visa Credit Card?” turned out to be a very interesting post at MyCardBlog.Com. According to the official document from Visa, you can refuse to show your ID to a store clerk at checkout as long as you’ve signed your credit card. All they can do is to keep your credit card and verify your signature. Actually, most of credit card issuers require that merchants should not check your ID at checkout. The reason is very simple: if you show your ID and credit card to a store clerk, you’re potentially to be an identity theft victim. However, the truth is you are frequently asked to show your photo ID to a store clerk at checkout. The retailers seem this is a good strategy to avoid losses from fraud. (Once a credit card fraud happens, retailers will take the cost while card members will be protected by laws.) You’d better think twice before showing your driver’s license. A driver license and a credit card can give a splenetic store employee a good chance to steal all of your personal information. [...]

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 15 May 2008 04:26:53 +0000

Next time, when you was requested to present your photo ID with your visa card purchases, you can just deny it. You’re officially protected by the visa!

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huh?