Why Retailers Ask for your ZIP Code

bucks.blogs.nytimes.com

5 pointsbenackles3 comments

I Germany there is a small island called "Helgoland". It has like 10 inhabitants and can only be accessed half a day (tide). BUT they have their own zip code. I have this zip written down in by purse and in the case a German retailer were to ask me for my zip I'd give that zip to them.

This prank is called "Ein Supermarkt für Helgoland": Trying to make them build a supermarket on that island based on the supposedly demand that people from Helgoland's zip code need one on their own.

Some gas pumps ask for your zip also. Is it for security or marketing?

If you're using your credit card, then it's security.

A lot of credit card thieves will make a small purchase (say.. at a gas pump) to see if the card is still active.

Doubtful that this practice protects against the card skimmers that get installed inside the pump (which is why you should be buying gas with a credit card and not a debit card -- you have better consumer protections against fraud)

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