Signing "Ask for ID" on my credit cards invalidates them?
I had a weird experience at the Post Office this afternoon when I tried to buy a roll of stamps and am hoping some of my blog pals can offer up some thoughts...
When I got the latest wave of credit cards I decided that this time, instead of signing them, I'd write "Ask for ID" on the back, as a bit of a fraud protection and identity theft prevention. So far, it's distressing to see how few people actually care about asking for my ID, even when I point out that's what I've written on the back. But that's another story.
This afternoon, we popped into the local Post Office and dutifully queued up until it was our turn, then asked for a roll of stamps, $42, and presented my credit card to pay.
The clerk looked at "Ask for ID" on the back, seemed a bit embarrassed, and said "I can't accept that."
"What?" I said, in disbelief. "Why not?"
"We've been told not to accept 'ask for id' credit cards. Sorry."
I pulled out my driver's license and said "here, here's my ID. I don't see what the problem is."
"I'm sorry sir, but I can't accept this card. Do you have another one?"
I looked at my wallet, wherein I only carry two credit cards, and realized that I'd written "Ask for ID" on the back of both rather than signing them. So I luckily had enough cash on me for the stamps, but was peeved by that point.
I asked for her supervisor and she said that it was official post office regulation. Then she pulled out a notebook of bulletins and showed me one that indeed says:
"A card with the words 'see I.D.' or two signatures on the signature panel is not acceptable. The card companies consider this to be an invalid card."
She even generously made a copy of it for me, so I know that's exactly what it says.
But that begs the question: Did I err in not signing the cards and instead writing "Ask for ID"? I now don't remember where I read it, but I'm pretty darn sure it was a WSJ or NYT article or similar talking about fraud prevention and recommending strongly that not carrying around signature samples was a wise move.
Nonetheless, I now have an ongoing problem with the post office, a place where I often use my credit card and now, apparenlty, can no longer do so? WTH?
Anyone have any thoughts, insight or even links to any of the credit card sites or government agencies where they recommend that you do (or don't!) use "Ask for ID" on your cards? Thanks!!!
Update: According to VISA if the card says "see ID" or equivalent, merchants are required to "Request a signature. Ask the cardholder to sign the card and provide current government identification, such as a driver's license or passport (if local law permits)." So that's that. I goofed and need to squeeze a signature on my cards. Oh well.
Posted by Dave Taylor at May 29, 2008 8:36 PM
I used to work in retail and I was fascinated by the "See ID" signature, it was mostly US tourists who would have it, I just assumed it was what the US banks suggested. Although the first time I saw it I actually had to ask the girl "Is this your signature?" :)
Dave -- Just call your credit card companies, explain the situation to them and ask them to send you new cards.
Try another post office. They don't all follow the rules. I have my signature and 'ask for id' on my cards and have no problem using it at the post office or anywhere else.
All the more reason to buy stamps online or use the automat machine in the post office lobby. So far, the internet hasn't asked me once for a signature or to see my ID.
The back of my cards have signature/see ID. I think all the cards say "not valid unless signed". I had a clerk one time not accept my card until I signed the back. Having both on there has worked for me.
I tend to avoid the lines and use the self service machines...like the other poster said, they never ask for ID or a signature. I'm not sure how the U.S. Postal Service works around this...
I did once also have a person ask me to "sign my card" as I was standing there (it was a new card). I can't tell you how many things are wrong with this. Truth be known, we are working our way to the point that even credit cards are going to require a pin. I remember years ago jokingly thinking "someday we will just use a little card instead of cash" - I think we are very close to that day.
I had the exact same experience...great example of bureaucratic policy that defies logic.
That's crappy. I also have my signature as see id and you know how many times I have had anyone ask me to see my id?
None! Kind of Disappointing!
I'm going to def blog about this also to my readers.
I work in customer service and I have to say that it's really annoying when we get the See I.D. cards. Signatures already don't matter and aren't required in a lot of places (like the internet and my second job where we just have quick pay). I wouldn't ever not accept a card because the person's signature looks different. After all a lot of people give their boyfriends or children permission to use their card, which I think is totally valid. I was delighted when I heard that according to the credit companies it actually invalidates the card. Now I have something to tell smug customers that give me crap for not checking their I.D. When you work in a job that frequently has a long line of people, the last thing you want is to have to do something unnecessary that holds up everyone else in line.
If you're interested in the lack of security involved in credit card signatures, you might want to check out this blog post I found http://lemonsinspace.blogspot.com/2005/04/what-would-you-have-to-do-to-get.html
Clerks actually have no right to ask a person for ID when taking credit cards. If a person does ask for ID they are probably uninterested in stealing your identity, BUT, the cases where a clerk asks for ID and takes the drivers license number down is becoming less than rare. Protect yourself, dont give your identity away for free every time you use a credit card.
