Reader Jered says that IHOP refused to accept his credit card without seeing ID and threatened to call the police and report him for dine-and-dashing if he didn’t show it to them. Here’s his story:
I went to IHOP(INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES) on March 30th with my wife to eat. After our meal I went to the counter to pay and presented my Visa as payment. I was asked for photo ID, and kindly declined. I was then told that they were not going to be able to accept my card without photo ID.
I then offered my MasterCard(so that I could later fill out a complaint) and was also told a photo ID would be required. I then explained that I had no other form of payment, that it was against both Visa & MasterCard’s merchant rules. I was then directed to the manager, who I politely explained to that if he expected to be paid for the meal he offered me, he had the choice of accepting and honoring my card, or not getting paid.
At this point the manager called the police and was attempting to have me arrested for Dine-and-Dash, even though I was the one trying in good faith to present payment, and they were the one’s refusing, based on a ‘store policy’ that was in a direct breach of contract, their merchant agreement. My wife then showed her Visa(same account number) and her ID, and was fully embarrassed and outraged that they were trying to have me arrested because THEY refused to accept payment. I found this completely unacceptable, I called their Corporate Headquarters in Glendale, California, as did my wife, and filed complaints. We were told a Field Rep for the area would call us, but none ever did. I’d plan on going back there with just my card and no ID and let the police come, but as a matter of principal I can simply not got back there after something like that.
– Jered,
We think you’re right in not going back. Why give your money to bullies? It is indeed a violation of IHOP’s merchant agreement with MasterCard to refuse payment without photo ID, except in the case that they need to ship something to you and have to verify your address. Did you plan on having your partially digested waffles FedExed?
MasterCard Merchant Manual (PDF) [MC]
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Although it is technically against the merchant agreement I don’t feel asking for ID is some sort of horrible thing – and a company does have the right to refuse a sale. Calling the cops because they didn’t want to accept your tender on the other hand is going too far.
Put up a sign stating your own store policies or have the customers pay before eating is the way to go. Avoids all this trouble.
Also, merchants can’t limit you to a minimum transaction. Such as “no credit cards allowed for purchases under $5.00″.
9.12.3 Minimum/Maximum Transaction Amount Prohibited
A merchant must not require, or post signs indicating that it requires, a
minimum or maximum transaction amount to accept a valid MasterCard card.
To all the morons who’re saying he should’ve done the logical thing instead of bitching around:
If the person doesn’t need to show his fracking ID, why the frack would he have to show it?
As for me, I don’t sign my cards so I have to show my ID which is no big deal but geez you assholes. If the law says you can take a dump in your house, you have the right to take a dump in your house.
Sometimes, you just have to stand up to your ideals. Can’t cower forever.
At least one company now makes software for integrated point of sale systems that, when a credit or debit card is swiped through the reader, requires the cashier to follow up by swiping your ID or DL through the reader.
And there it is, your credit card data, identification information and purchase information all wrapped up in one neat package.
How do those of you saying “just show the damn ID already” feel about that?
This is Jered. After reading the comments, I would like to add clarification. My cards are SIGNED. I would like to explain why this is such a big deal to me. For one, the name on the card does not always match the name on your ID. When I got married, I took my wife’s name. While I was waiting for new cards to come in the mail, my old cards still had the old name, and I had no ID to prove that I was “me.” The visa rules do say that the contract with the acquirer supercedes the rules. But here’s the thing, the acquirer has a CONTRACT with visa that says they won’t make a contract with merchant’s requiring ID as a condition of acceptance. MasterCard is the same way, and they even let consumers file complaint’s on their website, which I did. Also, the visa I have has the paywave feature, which allows you to just wave the card over the reader, the merchant never sees your name or the card or anything when using this feature. So when IHOP gets paywave, I can guarantee they won’t be asking for ID, I’ve never been asked for ID on a paywave transaction. Gas pumps, Redbox rental machines, etc.. Don’t ask you for ID. The merchant is NOT protecting you. You are only liable for $50 of credit card fraud, and most cards have ZERO fraud liability, you call the card company, fill out an affidavit and get a new card, done deal. The merchant is trying to get around their OWN contract with the acquirer to PROTECT THEMSELVES — which they aren’t even doing, if the card is fake it could have anyones name on it, and fake id’s are easy to come by. If the merchant is worried about fraud, they shouldn’t accept cards. When I see a merchant with MC/VISA decals, I expect that I should be able to use that card as payment, especially after I already ate the product, there wasn’t even any signs acknowledging their breach-of-contract-policy!
It is against the law to not have identification. Cops do not normally pursue your everday normal person for this. If you are homeless or otherwise on the fringe of society the police can & will arrest you for this. (Happened to me) They can hold you for up to 72 hrs. with no charges.
@haggardprincess: It is not, however, against the law to decline to provide said identification to the cashier at IHOP.
I don’t see you being forced to show ID without being charged with something. If a cop asks to see your idea, ask him if he’s charging you with something, or if he has probable cause. Unless your state has some sort of wacky laws, that’s about it.
@haggardprincess: “It is against the law to not have identification.”
It. Is. Not. There are toddlers running around ALL OVER THE COUNTRY without valid ID.
You are forbidden from participating in certain common societal acts if you refuse to have ID (driving, voting, collecting social security), but you are not required to have ID.
@lesspopmorefizz: I think it’s the principle of the thing. IHOP and other merchants are supposed to accept the payment, even if you refuse to show your ID.
If IHOP really wanted you to show ID, they can ask for an exception (at least I would assume so).
Short of that, IHOP shouldn’t take credit cards.
I don’t mind showing my ID either…but at the same time, I completely understand this.
I think we should carry a copy of the merchant agreement with us at all times so that we can point it out to the store.
Sorry this is such a long post, but
here’s the FL Statute regarding Identification Cards – They’re not required, just an “urban myth”.
The 2007 Florida Statutes
Title XXIII
MOTOR VEHICLES Chapter 322
DRIVERS’ LICENSES View Entire Chapter
322.051 Identification cards.–
(1) Any person who is 5 years of age or older, or any person who has a disability, regardless of age, who applies for a disabled parking permit under s. 320.0848, may be issued an identification card by the department upon completion of an application and payment of an application fee.
(a) Each such application shall include the following information regarding the applicant:
1. Full name (first, middle or maiden, and last), gender, social security card number, county of residence and mailing address, country of birth, and a brief description.
2. Proof of birth date satisfactory to the department.
3. Proof of identity satisfactory to the department. Such proof must include one of the following documents issued to the applicant:
a. A driver’s license record or identification card record from another jurisdiction that required the applicant to submit a document for identification which is substantially similar to a document required under sub-subparagraph b., sub-subparagraph c., sub-subparagraph d., sub-subparagraph e., sub-subparagraph f., or sub-subparagraph g.;
b. A certified copy of a United States birth certificate;
c. A United States passport;
d. A naturalization certificate issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security;
e. An alien registration receipt card (green card);
f. An employment authorization card issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security; or
g. Proof of nonimmigrant classification provided by the United States Department of Homeland Security, for an original identification card. In order to prove such nonimmigrant classification, applicants may produce but are not limited to the following documents:
(I) A notice of hearing from an immigration court scheduling a hearing on any proceeding.
(II) A notice from the Board of Immigration Appeals acknowledging pendency of an appeal.
(III) Notice of the approval of an application for adjustment of status issued by the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.
(IV) Any official documentation confirming the filing of a petition for asylum or refugee status or any other relief issued by the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.
(V) Notice of action transferring any pending matter from another jurisdiction to Florida, issued by the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.
(VI) Order of an immigration judge or immigration officer granting any relief that authorizes the alien to live and work in the United States including, but not limited to asylum.
(VII) Evidence that an application is pending for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States or conditional permanent resident status in the United States, if a visa number is available having a current priority date for processing by the United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Presentation of any of the documents described in sub-subparagraph f. or sub-subparagraph g. entitles the applicant to an identification card for a period not to exceed the expiration date of the document presented or 1 year, whichever first occurs.
(b) An application for an identification card must be signed and verified by the applicant in a format designated by the department before a person authorized to administer oaths. The fee for an identification card is $3, including payment for the color photograph or digital image of the applicant.
(c) Each such applicant may include fingerprints and any other unique biometric means of identity.
(2)(a) Every identification card shall expire, unless canceled earlier, on the fourth birthday of the applicant following the date of original issue. However, if an individual is 60 years of age or older, and has an identification card issued under this section, the card shall not expire unless done so by cancellation by the department or by the death of the cardholder. Renewal of any identification card shall be made for a term which shall expire on the fourth birthday of the applicant following expiration of the identification card renewed, unless surrendered earlier. Any application for renewal received later than 90 days after expiration of the identification card shall be considered the same as an application for an original identification card. The renewal fee for an identification card shall be $10, of which $4 shall be deposited into the General Revenue Fund and $6 into the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund. The department shall, at the end of 4 years and 6 months after the issuance or renewal of an identification card, destroy any record of the card if it has expired and has not been renewed, unless the cardholder is 60 years of age or older.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if an applicant establishes his or her identity for an identification card using a document authorized under sub-subparagraph (1)(a)3.e., the identification card shall expire on the fourth birthday of the applicant following the date of original issue or upon first renewal or duplicate issued after implementation of this section. After an initial showing of such documentation, he or she is exempted from having to renew or obtain a duplicate in person.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, if an applicant establishes his or her identity for an identification card using an identification document authorized under sub-subparagraph (1)(a)3.f. or sub-subparagraph (1)(a)3.g., the identification card shall expire 2 years after the date of issuance or upon the expiration date cited on the United States Department of Homeland Security documents, whichever date first occurs, and may not be renewed or obtain a duplicate except in person.
(3) If an identification card issued under this section is lost, destroyed, or mutilated or a new name is acquired, the person to whom it was issued may obtain a duplicate upon furnishing satisfactory proof of such fact to the department and upon payment of a fee of $10 for such duplicate, $2.50 of which shall be deposited into the General Revenue Fund and $7.50 into the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund. The fee shall include payment for the color photograph or digital image of the applicant. Any person who loses an identification card and who, after obtaining a duplicate, finds the original card shall immediately surrender the original card to the department. The same documentary evidence shall be furnished for a duplicate as for an original identification card.
(4) When used with reference to identification cards, “cancellation” means that an identification card is terminated without prejudice and must be surrendered. Cancellation of the card may be made when a card has been issued through error or when voluntarily surrendered to the department.
(5) No public entity shall be liable for any loss or injury resulting directly or indirectly from false or inaccurate information contained in identification cards provided for in this section.
(6) It is unlawful for any person:
(a) To display, cause or permit to be displayed, or have in his or her possession any fictitious, fraudulently altered, or fraudulently obtained identification card.
(b) To lend his or her identification card to any other person or knowingly permit the use thereof by another.
(c) To display or represent any identification card not issued to him or her as being his or her card.
(d) To permit any unlawful use of an identification card issued to him or her.
(e) To do any act forbidden, or fail to perform any act required, by this section.
(f) To photograph, photostat, duplicate, or in any way reproduce any identification card or facsimile thereof in such a manner that it could be mistaken for a valid identification card, or to display or have in his or her possession any such photograph, photostat, duplicate, reproduction, or facsimile unless authorized by the provisions of this section.
(7) Any person accepting the Florida driver’s license as proof of identification must accept a Florida identification card as proof of identification when the bearer of the identification card does not also have a driver’s license.
(8) The department shall, upon receipt of the required fee, issue to each qualified applicant for an identification card a color photographic or digital image identification card bearing a fullface photograph or digital image of the identification cardholder. Notwithstanding chapter 761 or s. 761.05, the requirement for a fullface photograph or digital image of the identification cardholder may not be waived. A space shall be provided upon which the identification cardholder shall affix his or her usual signature, as required in s. 322.14, in the presence of an authorized agent of the department so as to ensure that such signature becomes a part of the identification card.
History.–s. 1, ch. 73-236; s. 1, ch. 77-14; s. 1, ch. 78-105; ss. 7, 27, ch. 78-394; s. 37, ch. 89-282; ss. 1, 2, ch. 90-150; s. 397, ch. 95-148; s. 33, ch. 95-333; s. 13, ch. 96-200; s. 45, ch. 96-413; s. 73, ch. 99-248; s. 35, ch. 2000-313; s. 70, ch. 2001-61; s. 124, ch. 2002-20; s. 3, ch. 2002-76; s. 1, ch. 2002-259; s. 28, ch. 2003-1; s. 2, ch. 2003-410; s. 27, ch. 2004-5; s. 69, ch. 2005-164; s. 41, ch. 2006-290.
There are 2 things wrong with this posting: the title and the contents.
First, the title. IHop didn’t threaten to call the police because this dude refused to show his id, they threatened to call the police because he refused to pay. As soon as that problem was solved, i.e. his wife paid, the police option was off the table. If I ran a business and some stupid litigious big-settlement-getter-wannabe loser refused to pay based on such flimsy grounds I would call the cops too.
Second, the contents. If you read section 1-1 of the Mastercard manual you will see that the rules apply unless there is a “more stringent” agreement between the merchant and Mastercard which obviously IHop, like many other merchants who request id, must have.
@Mariallena: All fine and good, except that he attempted to pay twice, and they refused to accept it.
@dantsea:
No, he didn’t. He declined to show the id, which is a very reasonable requirement all the IHop customers go through.
The guy is a greedy litigious loser who was obviously trying to make trouble and sue somebody to get $$$$.
Did you read that he only offered his Mastercard so that he could file a complaint later?
@Mariallena: Yes, I read that in the same article where he wrote that IHOP was offered two different types of payment that were refused because the manager or cashier implemented an arbitrary policy that does not appear to be sanctioned by their merchant agreement. Of course, I don’t actually know if they’re allowed to check ID, same as you… or is there something you’d like to share with the group?
@lesspopmorefizz:
The whole point is checking ID does nothing to prevent identity theft.
It does prevent a bum from finding your credit card on the street and using it but you aren’t liable for any of those charges anyway and if you report your card lost it’s not usable anymore.
If someone does steal your identity. I guarantee you 100% they would never use any of your existing credit cards. It’s much easier to sign up for new ones so you don’t discover you’re being identity thefted till long after they default on the cards.
Also, if they already have all your personal info. Its extremely easy to obtain an ID with your info and their picture.
Why do you think showing ID is against the merchant agreements? They know it doesn’t do much in terms of preventing fraud and they want using credit to be as easy as using cash. Having to show ID might deter you from using credit if you were in a hurry.
Also, everyone here who thinks the guy should have shown ID might as well not read consumerist.
Try to be smart consumerists for once in your life.
Why should this guy be subjected to this IHOP manager’s made-up rules that also happen to be against mastercard and visa’s merchant agreements?
The #1 reason most uneducated people on this topic claim they don’t mind checking ID is somehow it magically prevents identity theft. I’m pretty mean credit card theft as in somebody steals your credit card and tries to use it. You’re not liable for a cent of those charges so stop living in fear.
If I owned a store I might as well make you bow down to complete the purchase too so I can judge on how honorable you are.
I read approximately the first 50 comments hoping to discover the reason that Jered believed it necessary to withhold his ID. No such reason came to light. Is this a matter of principle? If so, then why not take the matter all the way? Let ‘em call the police; let ‘em charge you with ‘Dine & Dash.’ If you have the courage of your convictions, go to court, adjudicate the matter, maybe even do some time. You clearly have plenty of time on your hands. Get the attention of the public and embarrass the credit card companies along with IHOP just like you obviously embarrassed your wife.
What is the big deal about showing your ID? Because it’s not required?!? Hey! Opening the door for someone else is not required, but it makes the world a nicer place for a brief moment. But instead, you go out and bust the chops of some poor guy or gal working as a server at IHOP just above the poverty level and then turn your self-righteous rant on some entry-level manager.
Good lord, man. Too much from the never-empty coffee pot? If you don’t like showing your ID, then carry cash for those instances when you have to deal with merchants who are not as astute as you re the world of commercial debt.
The reason they ask is to confirm it’s not a stolen card. It’s for your own safety. The cashier is not going to steal your identify by taking a quick glance at your ID.
“I’m pretty mean credit card theft” should be “i’m pretty sure they mean credit card theft.
@Mariallena:
No, there are 2 things wrong with your comment.
1) I tried to pay using a method accepted by the merchant and they refused to accept my card. As I explained in my comments, it’s hard to show ID when your ID has your married name, and the credit card has your other name — Credit Cards don’t always have the name on your current ID, they are meant for convenience, it is an inconvenience when a merchant refuses to accept a valid payment.
2) Acquirers have contracts with mastercard that they will not create contracts with their merchants that require their merchants to check for ID, as it would be a violation of the merchant rules.
@haggardprincess:
There is no federal law or State law in Texas that requires a person to have identification. Texas Penal Code only requires you to identify yourself verbally by name, date of birth and address upon request of an officer.
Why does everyone always cave on this? JUST STOP SHOWING THE I.D.
Also, I might be craving a fight today… =P
I think that the main complaint that people have is not so much the actual showing of ID or invasion of privacy but rather the fact that a privately owned organization is in effect making rules that must be followed for something as mundane as buying something. The same goes for the receipt checking or anything else. The fact that a private organization is willing and able to contact law enforcement and attempt to have a person arrested to enact their rules, no matter how well-intentioned or ridiculous they may be is the part that bothers most people. Most individuals in this country feel better about the rules that they must live their lives by being made by a government that though is not always honest is for the most part accountable to the will of the people. Who is Wal-Mart or IHOP or any private organization accountable to? What gives them the power or the right to make rules that can result in detainment (illegal or not) and arrest? That is the complaint that most people have I think when it comes down to it. Showing an ID is not a big deal to me but being forced to do so by an organization that believes that it has the right to impose arbitrary regulation on another private entity is. Throughout history much of the huge adverse societal issues have happened as a series of small steps that led to something we shake our heads about as we read history books. The power of private organizations even to the point of rivaling the government on some fronts is something that has been complained about even by our founding fathers (thanks Consumerist). If greater men than I found it to be an issue of concern then it is something that in my mind people should be vigilant against. So really, when you give ID or a receipt you give much more than that. You also give a private organization your permission to take the role of government in that they are willing to detain you or have you arrested for not abiding by their ‘laws’.
I am constantly amazed by the number of people who post to these threads regarding credit card acceptance procedures and stand up for the store.
The rules are clear: ID may not be required. Period. That is it.
You certainly could just not sign your card or write, “See ID” on it if you prefer to show ID. Of course there are so many places where credit cards are honored in a self service manner without a clerk that this would not do much to stop someone from using your card. However, in that case you find it more important to show ID than enjoy the “zero fraud liability” that comes with your card. But it’s your choice!
It amazes me that people will take whatever order they are given and accept lame excuses like “it is for your protection” and blindly follow.
You put yourself at a major risk of identity theft by showing a clerk your ID. When you present your ID, you have no idea how long a clerk will study it and no idea what the clerk is actually LOOKING AT on your ID. In addition you are allowing the store’s security camera system to record an image of your ID which is retained and may be reviewed by unknown individuals in the store at any time.
Be very, very careful with this.
With that said, I do sometimes show my ID if a store insists. After I leave the store, I will complain to the corporate office of the given store. If that does not produce a change in the store’s card acceptance procedures, I will file complaints with the credit card issuer or my bank.
There are numerous stores in my area who have stopped asking for ID as a result of my complaints, so those who do not think the complaints are taken seriously are wrong.
@jimconsumer: It happens all the time? In the ten seconds it takes them to glance at the names? Honestly, most clerks don’t even do that, they just ask for the ID to see if you freak out about giving it and then move on.
Show me news stories where this specific thing has happened. Not identify theft in general, but where the theft has been because of a clerk with a photographic memory or something remembering the address shown on an ID and stealing the identity.
I don’t find it even remotely likely unless they leave your presence with the card. In which case, you could get cranky. But looking at it while you’re standing there for two seconds? Really? That’s an inroad to rampant identity theft?
Some people might have valid points in these arguments against showing the ID, this is not one of them.
@hunter_ellroy:
read the comments on this page, I clarified why I didn’t want to show ID, and my wife is the one who insisted on paying, I was going to let them call the cops, they were already on the phone with them when she paid. She doesn’t drive, so if I was arrested for dine and dash it would be quite a pickle for her. That is why she paid. I was letting them call the cops, I do stand up for my convictions, but I also respect my wife.
I like how he stresses his wife was embarassed because ‘THEY’ refused to accept payment for him refusing to show ID.
It couldn’t be that she was embarrassed because she realized what an irrational tool she married for making a scene at an IHOP of all places. Or that he even took her to an IHOP to begin with.
This guy is delusional and has way too much time on his hands for wanting to hang out at the local IHOP with the cops and servers who only work there because they can’t cut the mustard at Applebee’s.
dantsea
Note, recording any information from a drivers license for a Credit Card or Debit Card signature transaction is against a lot of state laws.
To All,
On the Id thing. I am neutral. I don’t mind showing ID but at the same time I do not like merchants violating their merchant agreement.
On the Charge back. The merchant is protected from fraudulent transaction. If the merchant follows dispute procedures correctly. If the merchant is getting charge back for fraudulent transaction. He needs to find a new processor or bank.
Ohio, Does require ID to be shown to Police, Public Passenger vehicles, Federal and State buildings. (Side note, I do not know how the Ohio Real ID law would apply to Federal Building. ) The only exception is if your going to get an ID or Drivers license.
@unklegwar: in the Visa Merchant Rules, it states the following: “Cardholder Signature. The cardholder’s signature is required for all cardpresent
transactions. Failure to obtain the cardholder’s signature could result
in a chargeback if the cardholder later denies authorizing or participating
in the transaction. When checking the signature, always compare the first
letter and spelling of the surname on the sales receipt with the signature on
the card. If they are not the same, ask for additional identification or make a
Code 10 call.”
Thus, VISA is telling their merchants to “ask for additional IDENTIFICATION,” if there is a question about the signature.
VISA also says that ID cannot be required to complete the sale, but it appears that if a business questions the signature, they can absolutely ask for ID.
From page 76 of the Official Visa Document
[usa.visa.com]
@Kevinpalooza:
My wife is the one who filed the complaint with IHOP and the one who insisted we go there, tool.
@gpatrick800:
I’d love to see the law that requires you to show ID to POLICE. You note an exception to entering State buildings as in entering the DMV building to get an ID. So if you’re walking to get an ID and get stopped by police, then what? No one is required to have ID or show it to anyone, only exception may be entering certain places, but you certainly don’t need it when you are in public nor are you required to show it to police if not in such a facility.
Had to chime in.
There is no way I’m giving someone my credit card and my ID. That’s way too much info.
I’m all for the merchants protecting themselves against charge backs. Here’s the best way, don’t take credit cards.
I just received a new credit card, funny, I didn’t have to show ID to get the card. My ID is for driving, not for some 19 year old clerk who couldn’t tell if it was real or fake if his cell phone depended on it
I’m not really big on the “blame the consumer” argument, but Jesus Effing Christ just show them your damn ID. What’s the point of not doing so, just so you can have your big, badass, rebellious “I won’t b/c I don’t have to and I don’t want to” argument?!? That’s the same logic that 2 year olds use.
I get more annoyed when people DON’T check the ID on my card when they say “CHECK ID” on the back. Sometimes I’ll sign a ridiculous name or write on the electronic signature line “Why didn’t you check my ID?”…and they still put it through without a second glance.
CREDIT CARD SIGNATURE IS ALL THE ID NEEDED
When you pay for merchandise with a Visa card, MasterCard, or American Express any store that accepts these cards should accept yours too, no questions asked. It’s part of the deal that merchants agree to when they become participating members.
They must check your signature and the card – electronically or by telephone – to be sure it’s valid. Once the answer comes up yes, they can go ahead and charge. They can’t ask you for any further identification – not a license plate number, Social Security number, proof of address, phone number or picture ID.
Your personal ID isn’t needed because Visa, MasterCard, and American Express all guarantee payment on cards that have been properly checked. If the issuer mistakenly authorizes a sale on a bad card, it should make good. MasterCard says that merchants receive instant settlement. The contract MasterCard merchants sign specifically prevents them from asking for personal ID.
Unfortunately, not all merchants play by the rules. Some, apparently, haven’t read them.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
MasterCard wants to hear about merchants who break their rules. Send the name and address and an account of what happened to MasterCard WorldWide 2000 Purchase St. Purchase, NY 10577. The merchant’s bank will get a stiff letter, ordering it to investigate and bring the offending store into line – or pay a $2,000 fine.
Visa enforces the same rules as MasterCard. “When we hear about a violation, we ask the bank that signed the merchant to get together with the merchant and see that the practice is stopped,” Visa representative states. To report a merchant, send a letter to the bank that that issued your Visa card or call 1-800-VISA-911.
American Express also prohibits merchants from asking for IDs. “All a merchant is supposed to do is take an imprint, make sure the signature matches and swipe the card through the terminal, to get authorization.”
I must admit that although I have not read each and every comment posted on the IHOP credit card/ID situation, it is a sad fact indeed that so many of you fail to see the real facts involved. It is also a very sad statement on the citizenry of this country to have so little regard for your own constitutional rights, and the work of those, including the founding fathers, our elected officials, and appointed members of the United States Supreme Court who have spent so much time, and energy deliberating and ultimately rendering decisions to make certain that our individual rights are preserved.
Any of the idiots, or “sheeple” that voluntarily submit to showing receipts at Walmart, or gleefully show a state issued picture identification to some low-level clerk, don’t deserve to have the rights grated to you by our illustrious Constitution, and should be automatically relegated to “dumb ass” status and have your particular rights revoked.
Sure, identity theft is indeed a problem. However, it’s not the job of any corporate retailer to violate your rights in the effort to thwart potential false use of a credit card. The card holder has the ultimate responsibility to monitor the use of his/her card, and in the same vein have the right to dutifully insist that their “RIGHTS” not be violated by a mere store “policy”, which generally have no basis in law.
But, the bottom line is that if you’re too stupid to make yourself aware of the very laws that are designed to protect you, or choose to ignore them “to not cause a scene” then that is your tight, however sheepish it may be.
Kudos to those who know their rights under the law, and stand up for them, as if everyone took this stance, there would never be any “door monkey’s” or “robot cashiers” sheepishly obeying stupid and unlawful store policies which are obviously superseded by any/all any local, state, and federal law.
As stated in these comments, exceptions do exist when you willingly sign a membership agreement contract at such retailers as Costco or Sam’s Club, where somewhere in the “fine print” you have voluntarily agreed to waive your legal rights regarding the searching of your purchased goods and requirement to show your receipt. However, aside from these types of exceptions NO store personal has the right to inspect your purchased goods, see your receipt, or demand that you show a state issued picture ID when paying with a valid credit card, because you did NOTsign a legally binding waiver when you entered their establishment, and no retailer now, or in the future will ever require potential customers to do so, as it would quickly lead to their demise.
Remember! Knowledge is power… and that’s why some us are attorneys and judges, and others are clerks and/or “door monkey’s” at Walmart. So, always know your legal rights, never surrender them, and NEVER hesitate to invoke them!