Paying by Credit Card? Can I see your ID Please

Years ago I remember being asked to show my driver’s license when using my Credit Card for purchases over $100 or so. However, in the last 5 years I can’t recall one time when the salesperson asked to see my ID. Even with large purchases of $2,000 or more.

With credit card fraud on the increase you would expect to be asked more often.

This may be the reason why! Apparently, the agreement which merchants hold with credit card companies (VISA and MasterCard) does not allow sales people to ask for the customers ID when using a credit card. Merchants are required to accept the credit card, no questions asked. However, there are a few situations when the merchant can request ID to be shown. When proof of age is required for the purchase of alcohol or cigarettes or when the signature appears suspicious. A merchant can also refuse to accept the credit card if it has not been signed.

During high school I knew many students, including myself who had their parents signatures mastered as a way to get out of certain activities and even have days off school without their parents knowing. It shows that if the desire to deceive is there, it is quite an easy task. It is therefore no stretch of the imagination to figure out why credit card fraud is now so prevalent.

A few Australian credit card providers have now gone a step further to protect their credit card holders from fraudulent use by implementing photo ID on their credit cards. This way the salesperson can instantly see whether you are the cardholder or not. This simple measure is one step in the right direction to help prevent credit card fraud.