Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 beta 3/9/83; site pertec.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxl!houxm!houxz!vax135!cornell!uw-beaver!tektronix!hplabs!sdcrdcf!trwrb!scgvaxd!pertec!bytebug From: bytebug@pertec.UUCP (roger long) Newsgroups: net.audio,net.consumers Subject: Re: Re: Another Form of ID Message-ID: <182@pertec.UUCP> Date: Tue, 14-Aug-84 02:16:33 EDT Article-I.D.: pertec.182 Posted: Tue Aug 14 02:16:33 1984 Date-Received: Fri, 10-Aug-84 02:37:15 EDT References: <146@whuxl.UUCP> Organization: Pertec Computer Corp., Irvine, CA Lines: 47 > Have you ever tried to pay for something with a check without a) a driver's > license and b) a major credit card? However, the same store will take the > VISA or Mastercard by itself, so the problem is solved - I leave the checkbook > home and use the plastic. Yes, this has always been a big gripe for me, as it is becoming more and more difficult for a growing segment of the population to write checks! It seems everyone is out to get them: the banks are making it more and more expensive to have a checking account to begin with, and then the stores won't even accept the check unless you have some means to positively identify yourself (i.e. drivers license and a major credit card). I personally have a credit card, but a good friend doesn't, and I've made a point when I'm out with her to make a scene in the checkout lines to show that most people really will take your check if you don't have plastic and you're persistant enough. ME: I don't have a credit card. CLERK: (grumble grumble) Well, what's your social security #? ME: That's none of your business, and it's against the law for you to ask! CLERK: Is this your correct address and phone #? ME: Yes. CLERK: What's your business phone #? ME: I don't work. I don't understand how the rest of the country can take this kind of treatment, though. One form of ID (with picture) should be sufficient. And since you're most likely paying the bank a pretty penny for your checking account services, why the heck don't they give you some sort of card to guarantee your check to $N, where N increases over time as you demonstrate your ability to not bounce checks! The banks I've asked about this, offer a check guarantee card if you have overdraft protection, which is available if you have one of their credit cards! I would think that the credit card companies would be upset with these requirments. After all, the clerks write down the credit card # and expiration date, which is all that's necessary for someone to order something by phone! Credit card fraud is on the increase, and what would you bet that at least some of it is via numbers stolen off of the backs of checks! Oh well, enough of this for now. What do y'all think? -- roger long pertec computer corp {ucbvax!unisoft | scgvaxd | trwrb | felix}!pertec!bytebug