Posted on 06/27/2013 2:12:21 PM PDT by Altariel
Why do merchants sometimes ask us for our ZIP code when we buy something?
I recently visited the Mob Museum in Las Vegas, an interesting addition to Sin City’s attractions. I paid my admission with a credit card, prompting the museum ticket seller to ask me: “What’s your ZIP code?”
When I paused for a moment, she added: “It’s for marketing purposes.”
As much as I had heard good things about the museum, I was unlikely to return soon as I live far from Las Vegas, so I was not anxious to receive subsequent marketing. She said it was okay not to give the ZIP code, and then addressed me by name in wishing me a good visit.
Jo Anna Davis remembers one ZIP code request that did not end well. A California victim of domestic violence who works at a group to help other victims, she guards her privacy carefully. Over the years she became a loyal customer of Ulta, the beauty care company. On one occasion she purchased a skin care kit which caused an unpleasant reaction. She brought the kit back to the store for a refund, and the clerk asked for Davis’ ZIP code to process the transaction.
(Excerpt) Read more at forbes.com ...
My limited understanding of this is that, when you are present to sign the credit slip, then no other confirmation is required. If you are shopping via phone or web, then a further piece of information is needed to confirm that you actually are in possession of the card. That information can be ZIP or the CVR code from the reverse of the card.
I’ve gotten rejects when using a credit card online because I used a ZIP code that didn’t match the billing address for the card.
Your credit card doesn't contain your address. By getting the zip, your address and identity can be inferred and cross matched against other information sources out the in the world.
Track 1 Data Track Data Value % Start B Format Code (B=Bank) 5XXXXXXXXXXXXXX2 Primary Account Number (PAN) ^ Separator ANTONIEWICZ Last Name / Name Separator BRAD First Name ^ Separator 11 Expiration Year 03 Expiration Month 101 Service Code 000000001000000003000000 Discretionary Data ? End Track 2 Data ; Start Track 2 Data 5XXXXXXXXXXXXXX2 Primary Account Number (PAN) = Separator 11 Expiration Year 03 Expiration Month 101 Service Code 000000300001 Discretionary Data ? End
What I don't like is Kmart sending a second receipt to my computer. So I don't use any type of card there anymore.
What Your Zip Code Reveals about You
… NEW YORK (CNNMoney) —Every time you mindlessly give a sales clerk your zip code at checkout,you’re giving data companies and retailers the ability to track everything from your body type to your bad habits.That five-digit zip code is one of the key items data brokers use to link a wealth of public records to what you buy. They can figure out whether you’re getting married (or divorced), selling your home,smoke cigarettes,sending a kid off to college or about to have one.
Such information is the cornerstone of a multi-billion dollar industry that enables retailers to target consumers with advertising and coupons. Yet,data privacy experts are concerned about the level at which consumers are being tracked without their knowledge —and what would happen if that data got into the wrong hands.
Acxiom,one of the biggest data brokers in the business,claims to have a database that holds information —including one’s age,marital status,education level,political leanings, hobbies and income level —on 190 million individuals. Major competitors,like Datalogix and CoreLogic,tout similarly vast databases.
… “For the majority of the country,the zip code is going to be the piece of the puzzle that is going to enable a merchant to identify you,” said Paul Stephens,director of policy and advocacy at the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.
you need a second piece of information at a minimum
The zip code IS the second piece of information. They have your name from your credit/debit card. With the zip code, they can now get your address, phone number and all other public info.
I’m paying cash. Giving them my zip code means nothing.
With your credit card, they know everything!! Your credit card does have your address but not on the card...and in fact if you don't give someone the correct address connected to that card , it will be denied.
I was thinking mainly of self service fuel pumps. Often I choose to just fuel up and not go inside the store. It seems if “credit” is selected you are prompted to enter a zip code. I have never tried entering a bogus one so I don’t know if it would deny the transaction or not.
Had the same experience.
I am having second thoughts though. Now I will buy more stuff “that I might need if I ever get to that project”
8-)
“I don’t have a zip code.”
I always lie to them and give them 60060 from Chicago.
“I put down 1060 West Addison.”
They got your name with the credit card. With the zip code they can narrow it down and likely get your home address.
You know, I never give that info out, just because I don’t believe it necessary for me to complete a transaction. But, if it is for marketing...I have a low threshold of tolerance for marketing, and the one 100% sure way to guarantee that I will never ever ever go to your store, or use your services, or donate to your cause is to email me, snail mail me (even worse), or the coup the gras knock on my door. I do keep lists of the banned. These days, I pay cash when I can. If I need a service I research heavily. And the most important, if I want to give to a charity, I do it anonymously.
I often give 90002—a quaint little community of narrow streets and cozy bungalows known as Watts, Calif.
Do you need to join ‘TBA’?
Tool Buyers Anonymous?
“Hi, my name is Bill and I’m addicted to buying tools.”
Today I found TWO (2) laser pointer IR thermometers I’d bought at different times, “On Sale”, of course.
Boy, do they have my number!
867-5309 that is the one I use in cases like that.
If you use a credit card, they ask for your zip code to verify that you are the person using the card.
No, it is because if you don’t give the correct zip code associated with the credit card, then it could prove that the credit card does not belong to you.
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