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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