Tell me about you.
On a recent trip to Target, I decided to add some compressed air to my cart. Working in electronics, I find compressed air to be almost a necessity. The servers, computers, switches, and other equipment I use routinely need a good “spritz” of compressed air to keep the dust from accumulating.
But I digress.
When I went to check out, my cashier advised that I needed to scan my ID to purchase the compressed air. Not just show her my ID, but rather have my driver’s license scanned into their register. This of course allows Target to scan, read, and store my personally identifiable information. Although just someone’s full name fulfills the criteria of personally identifiable information, a Driver’s License barcode and/or magnetic stripe contains much more. By scanning the driver’s license, Target retains my full name, date of birth, address, gender, race, driver’s license number, license information (restrictions, endorsements), organ donation, and issue date.
First, let’s look at the obvious…
Why does Target need my Personally Identifiable Information?
When I was told that I was required to have my license scanned, I asked very simply, “why?” The cashier told me that Target required my age when purchasing the product. I told the cashier, that I’m almost 40 years old and asked how old I needed to be to purchase the can of compressed air.
While she called her manager (and told her that someone refused to identify themselves), she told me that the age restriction was 18. Let’s face it… I’ve posted pictures here. I’m not mistaken for a teenager. I haven’t been mistaken for a teenager in 20 years. Even though the cashier believed I was over the age of 18, she said she was not allowed to sell my the item without my driver’s license being scanned.
The manager arrived and very abruptly and confidently told me that I was required by law to scan my license. I told her that I knew of no such law and asked her if this was a Florida law or a Federal law? She called her Security team and told me, “the security guy said you can google it.”
I didn’t allow my ID to be scanned and I didn’t get to purchase the item. Incidentally, not once have I had my ID scanned for Alcohol (purchased at Target), R rated movies, or other items that are restricted by age.
Here’s the bottom line
There’s no reason that you should show or give your personally identifiable information to Target. Especially when they do not provide you with any information on how this information will be stored, protected, used, and shared. They did not provide any summary of Fair Information Practices or describe to any degree of cause as to why this information was needed.
The United States of America, at one point, greatly valued personal freedom. Sadly, this doesn’t seem to be the case today. I believe that your personally identifiable information needs to be protected, whenever possible. I don’t let people take my ID and walk away with it, and I won’t let Target scan it in their cash registers.
Instead, I’ll choose to no longer shop at Target.
blogged: No, You Cannot Scan My ID. http://bit.ly/dwXMFY
RT @fredposner: blogged: No, You Cannot Scan My ID. http://bit.ly/dwXMFY
That would probably change were I shop also! RT @ovrwrkdtech RT @fredposner: blogged: No, You Cannot Scan My ID. http://bit.ly/dwXMFY
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Fred….once again an excellent blog. It amazes me that Target would have such a policy or attempt to collect our information in such a manner. My first question would be, Do other retail establishments require ID to buy compressed air? I recently purchased a helium tank from Party City to fill ballons for a birthday party…will ID be required in the future? How about the Air Freshner I buy, as a consideration to my roommates, at my local supermarket??? Will ID be reuired for that? I ASSUME Target’s reasoning for ID Verification is to prevent kids from using the compressed air to get “high”. WHIPPITS I believe it is called….but when is enough, enough??? Are we now, or in the future, have our ID swiped for any purchase involving compressed anything or is this solely a Target policy? Hmm…..thanks for the post.
I know! They said it was “the law” but couldn’t tell me anything. I looked it up quickly and didn’t find any requirements for it. Seems to me like a policy.
Fred,
I’ve not heard of ID being required for compressed air. However, as an allergy sufferer, I’m all too familiar with requiring ID to purchase decongestants based upon pseudoephedrine. For example, Claritin D.
At first I was put off by this, most especially because the drug stores were just looking at my ID and having me sign a book. My sense was that the regulatory & law enforcement agencies were not getting that info in a timely way.
More recently they scan my drivers license into the register. At least this way there a possibility that the info might be of some value to someone in law enforcement. I truly doubt it, but the possibility exists.
The problem is with what your Driver’s License has and the fact that there’s no information on what is being done to protect this information. Just look at the recent hacks with some big name stores and the access to your credit card info. Now, imagine someone has your Name, Driver’s Licence Number, Home Address, Date of Birth, Race, Sex, DL Issue Date, DL Expiration Date, etc… which is all there when you scan your license.
Funny enough, I called their corporate office and talked with someone who transferred me to the “main supervisor.” The supervisor told me this is their policy, not a law. When we were talking I asked her for her name… she would only say Joan, as she would not be giving her last name. I asked for her date of birth, as my policy is to only talk to adults. She said that I could assume she was an adult. I said I couldn’t, and needed the following information: Name, Date of Birth, Address, Race, and Sex. She said she got my point… but somehow I don’t think she did.
fred, this sounds like a problem with an easy solution … i’ll see if i can dig out CITI’s magstripe writer.
AWESOME idea.
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Excellent response to Target asking for excessive personal information – ask company rep for theirs! http://bit.ly/aaPYfV
You can of course present other forms of government ID. I give them my military ID, there is no bar code to scan. Or carry your passport, still no bar code to scan there either.
Of course the best thing to do is point out this hypocrisy, thanks Fred for letting us know about Target stupidity. and then for all of us to not shop at Target.
I have a choice when I shop, and there is a Meijer right next door to the Target in my neighborhood. I will be shopping at Meijer.
BTW, when Target asks for personally identifiable information, in many states, they must make available to you their privacy policy on how they will handle that information.
Cheers!
Steve Pierce
Ypsilanti, Michigan
RT @fredposner: No, You Cannot Scan My ID http://bit.ly/dwXMFY
RT @fredposner: No, You Cannot Scan My ID http://bit.ly/dwXMFY
Well, this just happened to me today at Target and I’m outraged. I will write to Target, my congressman and senators because we cannot allow this to continue. Need to check my age? looking at my ID should suffice!
Same story when I tried to purchase compressed air at Target in Pasadena California today. The kid/checker had no idea why he was supposed to ask. I told him that I didn’t really need the air. The man in front of me did get his license scanned – but he was buying Sudafed. A very curious and bizarre policy. There must be some reason for it.
I just returned from Target and at 59 was also asked for my ID to scan to purchase “air”. I told them no and removed the item from my order, then went down the street to WalMart and bought the same item with no problem. With policies like these Target will always lag behind other retailers no matter how much the remodel.
Dear Fred,
It is indeed unfortunate that this corporation scans your ID. However, you are completely missing the point of their scans.
These compressed air canisters contain chemicals that can be used for many dangerous purposes;
There are many products related to compressed air canisters contain explosive fumes that have been used to create bombs. Purchased from several different stores, this ID check ensures that a potential threat to YOUR safety does not walk around town purchasing bomb material from different stores.
More directly, these canisters contain dangerous chemicals that stupid teenagers inhale. They have been known to cause permanent brain damage, and and toxic.
I apologize that some nameless person might have of 1 in 1,000,000 chance of seeing your name and drivers license number flash up on some screen at the DEA. It is a small price to pay in order to ensure the safety of ourselves, and help prevent careless drug abuse.
-Justin
Hi Justin,
Thanks for the comment, but I disagree. I am absolutely not missing the point here… And counter it with:
If this is the case, then they need to tell me that my personal information will be released to the government. And I must be informed which agencies are being told, what information is being stored, and how long this information will be held. Quite honestly, I find this scenario of one person buying many cans from different stores implausible. First, the government’s chances of actually preventing this are nil. Second, you are stopping one scenario– the lone bomber. What about the organization that sends 20 people to buy cans of compressed air? Either this is a substance that should not be sold ever, should be licensed, or should be free to buy without Big Brother tracking my life.
I am almost 40 years old and no longer a teenager. If the person needed my ID she could have looked and checked my birthdate, and moved on. No reason to scan it. If she thought I was enabling a “stupid teenager,” she should have called the police.
We fundamentally disagree here. (1) My information in mine. (2) It’s an enormous price. Ben Franklin said it best:
To me, that’s the complete oposite of your “small price to pay.”
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”.
The only time you must show your DL is to a cop, when you’re driving & have been stopped for a supposed infraction. (Like those mysterious tail lights that are never out when the owner looks, but only when the cop does.) Leave it in the car.
If some place legally demands ID, show them one without a bar code, mag stripe, or address. I use my concealed weapons license or military ID. (Both of which also generally provoke a change of attitude in the clerk.)
If they only demand a bday, make one up or use your parents’. Few clerks are curious, smart, or alert enough to realize you look awfully young for your claimed bday.
Just yesterday I was detained at Target, and refused ‘a sale’ as they said my personal check was no good. Since I was not driving/did not have my license on me, I offered up my FOID card as a legit/state issued form of ID to pay by check. They were not interested in looking to see if the ID matched the name/address on the check, they were mad/refusing the sale because there was no bar code to swipe on my FOID card! So,(gotta love this part) the person with me, who’s name isn’t even close to mine, and who is of a different sex than I (the person writing a check) handed over his license, they swiped IT and then my check was suddenly accepted!
There is SO MUCH WRONG with this that it would take too many paragraphs to describe. Boycott Target! I know I’ll never shop there again!
Well it’s the case in Massachusetts, as well. I can confirm that. — Target asked for my ID, I replied “you’re kidding right” the salesman said no the item popped up as needing ID. — He offered to call the manager, but I said I could buy it later.
For the record I’ve bought compressed air at other stores, without showing ID for it.
Also:
I wrote ‘See Picture’ on the back of my credit card, and often display but not have scanned my driver’s license, because of it.
Update: My first thought was this particular brand had something in it, mandating the Fed’s saying stores need to scan IDs prior to purchase. –
But FYI: Amazon.com sells the same brand of Compressed Air. — In this case ‘EnDust for Electronics 100% Non-Flammable’
I wrote to Target to find out why they needed to scan my FL DL. This is their response:
Thanks for taking the time to ask us for more information about our ID request for an alcohol purchase. I’ve shared some information below about our policy for ID requests:
-Target complies with all local laws and regulations regarding minimum age and identification requirements.
-Target customizes its in-store training and technology to closely conform to state and local liquor laws, particularly those involving preventing sales to minors.
-The register will automatically prompt for identification.
-Store team members should ask for ID for all guests regardless of age or appearance.
-Scanning an ID provides a more accurate way to verify date of birth and creates a quick and efficient checkout experience for our guests.
-When scanning an ID for this purpose, our systems only collect date of birth.
-No other personal information is captured
Thanks again for writing. We look forward to seeing you soon at Target.
Mary Jo
Target Guest Relations
http://www.target.com
(800) 440-0680
I’m going to have to throw the bullshit flag on their response. First, most local laaws require federal compliance. Since they don’t comply with federal guidelines on information collection, they can hardly claim to be compliant.
Second, if their employees are not intelligent enough to look at an id and determine if there is 18 -21 years of age difference between the date of birth and the current date, then the employee should not be running a cash register. Adding and subtracting a difference of 18 should be a skill any elementary school educated person possesses. If you need a machine to be more accurate, then we need to just end society now– we’ve become too stupid to move forward.
Since their system “collects” date of birth, what is done with this information once collected?
They are collecting people’s identities to sell. As if that weren’t enough of a reason to stay away from Target, the biggest problem is that it’s only a matter of time before they get hacked into and all of those identities are stolen. Stay away from Target.
I finally got around to searching for this in hopes of finding this exact article. My ID was scanned for an alcohol purchase (not at target) and at first I was like “whatever, someone can’t subtract”, but the more I thought about it the internet marketer spoke loudly in my head. The lady politely asked for my ID, appeared to check out the front of it for about 10 seconds and then flipped it over and “BOOP”, scanned it.
“What are they doing with the information” is right? Some say, “no big deal”, but would they think the same when they are getting phone calls or texts based on that information stored by a retailer they shopped at? Folks say “how can you get my phone number when it isn’t on my license?” A simple Google search will answer that one. What about getting MORE junk mail based on the fact that you bought compressed air from Target? They those people are thinking twice about it.
I am going to take advantage of my rights and cross the bar code with my sharpy (what a great idea) and deal with them on a case by case basis. I am not only glad it was happening to others, I am glad to have the chance to comment here with others thinking the same thing as me.
Nice write up and I must say that any corporate reply to this issue raises a huge RED bullshit flag.
I was at a local turkey hill (convenience store) attempting to purchase a white owl cigar. The cashier asked me for my ID and I was more than happy to let her see it, this being the first time I was asked to show my ID. I recently turned 18 and don’t exactly look like an adult.
So I unfold my wallet and hold it for her to see. She replied in a nasty voice “oh no honey, you need to take that out so I can scan it.” I was shocked by this but didn’t really think twice about it.
After I purchased the cigar and returned to my car, I started to hypothesize why they needed to scan my ID. I guess the whole legitimacy thing works but it’s not like she looked at the screen to see if it was real or not. People often buy cigars to fill with cannabis and smoke. Maybe they have a record of cigar buyers and are trying to connect it with cannabis use. Thats a little far fetched but hey, you never know
Whatever the reason, I did feel a bit violated and will not let someone scan my ID without some reasoning behind it.
Tuesday Morning, Inc. in Florida scannes your driver’s license with every return which has a recept, regardless of payment form, e.g. cash or credit .
They told me that it’s their return policy. It’s not! The policy is not implemented in every State, but I was told that they are working on it! I was also told that the information from your driver’s license is stored in their “secure database” which is used to keep track of your personal returns. The reason for that is to control consumer theft! Unbeliavable!!!
I will never shop at Tuesday Morning, Inc. because they invaded my privacy. I will also contact every agency possible to report the applicable to Florida unethical return policy.
And after reading these posts, I also will demagnetize the barcode on the back of my driver’s license. Thanks.
I hear ya fred! My daughter is 17 and went to return something at the Target in Abington Ma and they wanted her social because she had no receipt! I refused to allow it so they said they wanted mine. I told them to screw,(the item was something only they sold as it was a target specific brand as say white stag is to Walmart) anyway, they wouldnt even let her do an exchange without it. So I asked if there was a ten year old and they lost a receipt would they want it from them too? They said Yes! A ten year old really? So I said then you can take a kids money but wont return it since what kid keeps a receipt? They said yes. My daughters items were even defective and via MA law needed to be exchanged or returned and they refused that too! I am reporting them to my state and better business bureau!
All stores will be asking for ID, not just Target, Office Depot also asked for an ID. So your war with Target is moot.
As I said in the post/comments, I went to another store and purchased it without being asked for ID. The war is certainly not moot… and noone will scan the ID. Your complacency is not something to be admired. Stand up for yourself and protect your privacy.
I just left a Michael’s craft store in San Antonio. Was exchanging a frame. The cashier asked for my Driver’s License, but when she started keying in the numbers, I stopped her. She said it was their policy now, just to make a return. I kept both frames. Also wrote to Corporate to express displeasure, and let them know that as long as possible, I will do my shopping at Hobby Lobby. ID theft experts tell us all the time not to give out personal information like that if not necessary. Michael’s is certainly not necessary.
P.S. Asking to see an ID is one thing. Putting it into a database is quite another.
I hope you never need to buy any medication containing pseudoephedrine because the paper logbooks are long gone. Your information is now entered into an online database, which can only accept a drivers license, military id or passport and the government does track your purchases!
Found this site after doing a search. I am visiting here in California from Australia. We live in an excellent climate, however it doesn’t make me look younger than my 45 years.
We went to Target to purchase some provisions, including a 6 pack of beer for myself. I was asked to provide ID and immediately my bullshitometer went on high alert. I showed my Australian license and was told to remove it from my wallet to be swiped. I said “What are you going to swipe?” (we have no magnetic stripe on our licenses). She then had to call over her supervisor for approval. I complained to him that it was bullshit requiring ID, his response, we have people buying alcohol who are of age then giving it to children outside the store.
Once again I proclaimed bullshit and pointed out my 14 and 11 year old kids standing next to me. “How does recording my license details prevent me from giving the alcohol to these two?” I proclaimed.
It amazes me that in a place where it is legal to carry an unconcealed weapon, that this ‘policy’ of Target is allowed to exist.
My girlfriend recently visited a Michaels Arts & Crafts store to return something she purchased with cash. When she presented her receipt and the item to the cashier, she was asked for her driver’s license. She didn’t understand why, but presented it anyway. The cashier scanned her DL and then processed the return. When my girlfriend spoke to the manager, she was told that it was required for all returns. She was also told that if she had paid by credit card, they would not have had to ask for ID. Huh???? Doesn’t make sense to either of us. I believe they just wanted her personal information. She won’t be shopping at Michaels ever again. Thanks for the heads up about Target.
I was unaware of this practice until yesterday. I picked up a video game in Target yesterday as an xmas present for a relative, it was rated “Mature 17″. Im in my 30′s and have a full beard, im clearly over 17.
When I presented the game the kid on the register asked for ID so I handed him my driving licence. I figured he was just covering himself legally and waitied for him to hand back my driving licence. Unknown to me he had a portable scanner gun in one hand and scanned my licence in a split second. What bugs me is that I was never informed that this would happen, he just scanned my licence without asking or my permission.
I asked him why he needed to scan my licence and he said that the register locks up on him and there is nothing he can do to unlock the register until he has scanned an ID. 5 minutes later I was in the Walmart up the street and buying rifle ammo as my next gift, no ID required.
So check this out….. I have been refusing to let Target scan/swipe my DL whenever I purchase a mature game. (I am 40 years old) for the last year or so. Some workers understand and others treat it like an inconvenience to them because now they have to radio in to a manager for a date of birth override. Ok, so here is where I am pissed… I went back to target to do a price match on a mature game that I purchased less than a week before. The woman at customer service was very friendly, she told me that the computer is asking for my ID because it is a mature rated game. (on a price adjustment?) I’m not sure how they do the price adjustments there, I am assuming they credit it as a refund and then make another transaction for the new lower price? So, as I am handing her my ID, I tell her very clearly, that I do NOT want my ID scanned and that she will have to have a manager override. She says ok, takes my ID and then one split second later, she scans my card!! Un-flipping believable!!! “Why did you just scan my ID when I specifically told you that I don’t want it scanned?” Is what I rudely asked her. Her reply was very apologetic she said she was sorry that she just scanned it without thinking. Then she said, I can get a manager here to do the manual DOB entry. I told her “It’s too late!!! you already scanned it!” She apologized again, and told me sorry it was her fault, at which point I looked her in the eyes and said, “No, it’s my fault for actually handing over my ID to you and expecting to to follow my simple request on not having my personal information scanned into a target database! I, could tell that I upset her, but I was pretty upset too. Maybe next time she will pay more attention to some ones request when it comes to scanning ID’s. So, what I have learned from this, is I will never hand over my ID again, I will hold it in my hands and let someone read the Date of Birth off of the card.
Once you hand them your id… consider it scanned.
I ran across this today while shopping for Christmas presents at Target. I was asked for my ID so I proceeded to flip my Washington State drivers license out from my bill fold. I was informed that they had to scan it. I told them that no, they could scan the back but they could see my ID. They of course scanned it anyway and told me that none of my information would be recorded, but honestly? I don’t believe that. I should have walked away from the purchase all together (1.5 hours of shopping and $~200 in stocking stuffers), but I did not. I think I will go back just to try out the age override. If they won’t do it, I’ll leave the entire purchase at the counter and walk away. I say boycott Target for any purchases requiring an ID scan until they change their policy.
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My only question is could you not give them a old id with your info blocked out like an old state id or drivers license. Just a thought
One of the earliest comments suggested we make our own ID or change the mag reader. In Florida, the won’t let you keep your old ID intact, I’m not sure of the other states. I also like the idea of showing a passport which couldn’t be scanned.
Greets Fred, seems like we’re in the same boat. I ran across the same thickskullery at Target last night – seems like they’re doing this everywhere. I was surprised to find your post this morning when I was searching out laws in my area that would require them to do this (hint: I haven’t found any so far… ). Anyhow, here’s my tale of woe: http://blog.dangerbacon.com/2011/12/28/canned-air-the-real-menace/
Great domain name.
I just had the exact same experience in a Santa Fe Target store. I knew enough about their crazy policy for cold medicines, but didn’t realize that compressed air was such dangerous stuff! I thought the cashier wanted my id to check my credit card, as often happens, but before I knew it she had scanned my driver’s license. (I’m a middle aged man, btw). I told her that after shopping at Target every couple of weeks for 6 years, I wouldn’t be back this time. Enough is enough. From now on, my license will not leave my wallet and no one will be scanning it.
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