General Discussions

**serandfae** · 10-03-2010, 11:17 AM

I was buying a can of compressed air to blow out the old 'puter at Target, and the cashier asked for my ID. I understand why it's one of those "marked" items, but I'm pushing 40! I gave her the ID, though.

But then she scanned the back of the ID with the scan gun! Just what about that is not disturbing? What kind of personal information is Target able to get with that? Is Target abusing the controlled items list to gather your personal info (other than your date of birth) without your consent?

tim

**serandfae** · 10-03-2010, 11:58 AM

By the way, there is a simple solution to people scanning your card without permission: Use a sharpie marker across the barcode, or if it has a magnetic strip, run a magnet across it.

Law enforcement already has your personal info and can get it from the information on the front of the card as needed. Protect yourself from others trying to get it because of some nebulous "policy".

In this age of identity theft, better safe than sorry. Do you know how many businesses these days that collect your information lose it? Oops. Sorry.

tim

**dWhite** · 10-03-2010, 12:43 PM

Since when did you need an ID to purchase a can of compressed air?

**edgray** · 10-03-2010, 01:07 PM

That's pretty scary stuff. Big brother and all that. Expect a visit from the though police any moment now...

More seriously tho, the whole world is going that way I think. And it's frightening.

**NullPointer** · 10-03-2010, 02:12 PM

I've never had someone 'scan' my ID. I always thought the strip was there for DMV or government use. I have no clue why a cashier at target would need to scan it. Maybe its a state thing. You don't need an ID to purchase compressed air in California (though you do need one to purchase a can of spray paint).

**serandfae** · 10-03-2010, 02:28 PM

Some drug stores can scan those barcodes as well, not just Target. Which is why I put a sharpie line through mine. That way they have to type in the birth date manually, and that's the only info they get.

tim