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Comment by KGIII | Hacker News Reader

That's a great idea, actually. I keep ID at the ready and my cards are all unsigned. If they want signature verification, the back of the card is a silly place to look for it - as it can be signed by anyone. It could be a fake ID, but that's more difficult and less likely.

Sadly, very seldom does anyone even look to confirm it is even signed.

Methinks I'll try your solution. Thanks!

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By writing "SEE ID," a malicious cashier can now get your credit card and ID-- enough info to impersonate you in some scenarios, make online transactions, deliver things to your address and steal them, etc. Yes, you have to show it in some transactions (purchasing alcohol, for instance), but those are rare. If you're asked for it for any reason at all (ex-- "to prevent fraud") that's a red flag, and a violation of the vendor-card agreement. It's not like the "SEE ID" thing would protect you from fraud when so few cashiers actually look at it anyway.

> If you're asked for it for any reason at all (ex-- "to prevent fraud") that's a red flag, and a violation of the vendor-card agreement.

Be that as it may, your options are generally

a) show your ID anyway b) walk out without the stuff you came for

I doubt any merchant ever has been punished for violating the cardholder agreement in this fashion.

> I doubt any merchant ever has been punished for violating the cardholder agreement in this fashion.

There used to be forms on the Visa and MasterCard site to report this specific violation. So, yes, I imagine some merchants were reprimanded for requiring ID.

It isn’t a great idea. I used to do it (See ID), but it is actually not compliant with the credit card agreement. The post office by me refused to accept cards marked like that.

Worst case, I'll just use cash. I always carry currency, as well.

> It could be a fake ID, but that's more difficult and less likely

My parents used this system. When they'd send me to the store with their card, I'd just say I didn't have my ID on me. Never had an issue. (Note: don't do this without the cardholder's permission.)

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. This is not legal advice.

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