Reader Ben writes us with a concern he has about EB Games ID policy. He was selling his used games an EBGames in Salem, NH when he noticed something out of the ordinary:

“They ask for my ID like normal and I looked down on the EB counter and saw a few printed copies of some Massachusetts IDs. They were plainly visible, easily readable and not nicely stacked (so I could see three or four of them). So, I asked the guy, you scan IDs? and he simply said, Yes.”

Ben has some concerns about this policy (which we’re not sure is nationwide):

My concerns here are two: 1) They leave photocopies of IDs on the countertop for any evildoer to see? Not very secure. 2) They’re scanning IDs of people trading in used games and they don’t bother telling anyone that they’re doing it?

This seems like a legitimate ID theft risk, if it’s true. Does anyone else have any information about this issue? — MEGHANN MARCO

Read the rest of Ben’s email inside.

Hey Ben,

I was just at EB Games in Salem, NH getting rid of some games I didn’t
want (I know, the used game shtick is a rip-off scheme, but it’s easier and quicker than Half.com), anyways, they ask for my ID like normal and I looked down on the EB counter and saw a few printed copies of some Massachusetts IDs. They were plainly visible, easily
readable and not nicely stacked (so I could see three or four of them). So, I asked the guy, you scan IDs? and he simply said, Yes.

My concerns here are two: 1) They leave photocopies of IDs on the countertop for any evildoer to see? Not very secure. 2) They’re scanning IDs of people trading in used games and they don’t bother telling anyone that they’re doing it?

Shouldn’t the EB Games/Gamestop monolith be telling people that they’re aren’t merely validating your identity, but taking a full copy complete with photo, height, weight, age, hair and eye color? Do they really need more than name and address?

-Benjamin.

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