General Discussion

TroglodyteScholar

(5,477 posts)

21. It has a legitimate purpose at gas pumps.

Mon Apr 8, 2013, 09:09 AM

Apr 2013

It's to verify that you are indeed the cardholder.

In stores, though, they're using it to build a consumer profile of you and potentially sell info about your consumption to the highest bidder. Not a legitimate purpose in my view.

I made a cash purchase at Party City just this weekend. The lady at the counter said, "Can I get your zip?" I replied with a simple, "No," and she said..."Well, nothing I can say to that!" Then she promptly completed my cash transaction. No big deal.

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Latest blow to collecting Zip codes at check-out [View all] SecularMotion Apr 2013 OP

Santa Rosa Trader Joes collecting zip codes got us a store in Napa NV Whino Apr 2013 #1

Why is the burden on the customer to ask? Gormy Cuss Apr 2013 #3

Some places want fingerprints onpatrol98 Apr 2013 #2

I have no trouble with zip. It's asking for phone that urks me and I refuse. SmileyRose Apr 2013 #4

I happily give them the phone number of the truedelphi Apr 2013 #12

Do what I do. Give them "867-5309" lastlib Apr 2013 #27

What's funny is that all of the folks crying about a zip code probably give FSogol Apr 2013 #29

good point marions ghost Apr 2013 #31

Plus... pipi_k Apr 2013 #35

When I lived in State College PA in the 90s Orrex Apr 2013 #34

I've read that phone companies don't even issue that number any longer. lastlib Apr 2013 #40

I did that a few months ago. reflection Apr 2013 #44

Strategies for that: politicat Apr 2013 #37

You can't just make up 5 numbers? Um 5..7..6..3..1? FSogol Apr 2013 #5

(see post #27) lastlib Apr 2013 #28

Some gas pumps in MA request zip code when you use a credit card. FarCenter Apr 2013 #6

No ID ... GeorgeGist Apr 2013 #7

No sale... Gormy Cuss Apr 2013 #10

Just over the border in NH.... Purplehazed Apr 2013 #8

It happens here too Phentex Apr 2013 #9

I always say "90210". (nt) Nye Bevan Apr 2013 #11

I love it! (And am going to copy it, too.) reformist2 Apr 2013 #16

I think it's mostly for mailing advertisements fadedrose Apr 2013 #13

Grocery stores already know who you are from scanning your discount card. FarCenter Apr 2013 #14

It's kind of amusing/creepy to think they have a record of every food item you've purchased. reformist2 Apr 2013 #17

Why would one give their real name on the application for these cards? Oilwellian Apr 2013 #26

My grocery store required ID before issuing a discount card Orrex Apr 2013 #38

ID may be required if your discount card also allows you to write or cash checks. SecularMotion Apr 2013 #39

Nobody ever seems to know what to do with L8H 4S2... Heywood J Apr 2013 #15

Typical conversation alcibiades_mystery Apr 2013 #18

I can think of better... greytdemocrat Apr 2013 #19

It has a legitimate purpose at gas pumps. TroglodyteScholar Apr 2013 #21

Datamining isn't quite that sophisticated yet. sir pball Apr 2013 #41

Correction: TroglodyteScholar Apr 2013 #43

Meh. HappyMe Apr 2013 #20

If you use a "discount card" at the grocery... TroglodyteScholar Apr 2013 #22

Our store doesn't have those. HappyMe Apr 2013 #23

Yea, well... TroglodyteScholar Apr 2013 #42

Tens of thousands of others share my zip code. GreenStormCloud Apr 2013 #24

It seems like instead of requiring a zip code they'd ask for a piece of ID davidpdx Apr 2013 #25

I just feel bad for the cashiers siouxsiecreamcheese Apr 2013 #30

Thanks for that. HappyMe Apr 2013 #36

I always say No marions ghost Apr 2013 #32

When asked,,I tell the clerk to make one up.............. mrmpa Apr 2013 #33