Posted on 09/10/2022 8:08:38 AM PDT by grundle
Decision comes a week after New York and California asked American Express, Mastercard and Visa to support a merchant category code.
The international organization responsible for creating merchant category codes for credit card purchases has given its approval to establish one for transactions made at gun stores.
The International Organization for Standardization’s Registration and Maintenance Management Group met on Wednesday to discuss a request made by Amalgamated Bank to set up such a code.
An ISO spokesperson told The Center Square that RMMG members could not decide whether to approve the application. That elevated the discussion to the ISO leadership that oversees standards for retail financial services.
“Considering the application met all the criteria from ISO 18245 and no material arguments pertaining to the approval criteria outlined in the ISO 18245 standard to reject the code were made, SC9 leadership has approved this MCC application in order to comply with the standard,” the ISO said in a statement provided by Maria Lazarte, the organization’s team leader for media and engagement.
That decision came less than a week after New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Attorney General Rob Bonta sent a letter to chief executives at American Express, Mastercard and Visa, urging them to support a merchant category code. They called for the code, noting that other industry-specific retailers have their own codes. The attorneys general also said it could help identify suspicious activity that could prevent a mass shooting or stop gun trafficking.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, on Wednesday morning, also tweeted in support of an MCC.
“Together we can help stop gun trafficking & keep New Yorkers safe,” she posted.
Opponents of the measure included the National Rifle Association and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
In a statement to The Center Square, Mark Oliva, the organization’s managing director for public affairs, slammed the move, saying the creation of the code was “flawed on its premise. Those who believe it will help law enforcement do not provide details on what should be considered suspicious purchases."
“This decision chills the free exercise of Constitutionally-protected rights and does nothing to assist law enforcement with crime prevention or holding criminals accountable,” he said. “The Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics consistently shows in their own reporting that 90% of felons convicted of their crimes involving a firearm admit they illegally obtain those guns through theft or trading on the black market. Attaching codes specific to firearm and ammunition purchases casts a dark pall by gun control advocates who are only interested in disarming lawful gun owners.”
Oliva added supporters of the MCC actually hope to stop purchases of guns and ammunition through credit cards.
“Credit card companies have previously publicly resisted this because they understand it is not in their interest to monitor lawful private purchases,” he added.
It’s uncertain at this time when the MCC would take effect.
American Express, through a statement provided by Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications Andrew Johnson, said that it will follow the standard business practices, as it does anytime the ISO develops a new MCC.
“It is important to note that MCC codes are one of many data points that help us understand the industries in which our merchants operate,” the statement read. “We are focused on ensuring that we have the right controls in place to meet our regulatory and fiduciary responsibilities, as well as prevent illegal activity on our network.”
Messages to James, Hochul, Mastercard, Visa and Amalgamated Bank were not immediately returned.
So much for bulk purchases from CheaperThanDirt 😔
There was something about Visa telling them to pound sand. The ISO only puts out standards. If the government doesn’t require the standard to be followed then you don’t have to.
Anybody who thinks this is just about tracking is a fool. This is so they can refuse the transaction.
Criminals don’t use credit cards to buy guns. This proves what I have said a million times:
They plan to take guns from honest, non-violent citizens while leaving them in the hands of violent criminals.
The police then went to all the purchasers of the Marlin CC and "asked" for the guns so that ballistics could be checked. All owners complied.
This was in the Sacramento Bee, a liberal rag. I was surprised they reported this.
The killer was never found but, we learned one thing, viz. if you've ever filled out a 4473, you're potentially on their radar. All they need to do is confiscate the paperwork, because it never goes away.
I’ve never used anything but cash for 2A related purchases ever. I’ve made purchases over the years and would bet heavily there aren’t any three guys on the planet who, together, could lift it all in one go.
If you need anything better buy it now. The advice to “sell your cloak and buy a sword” is still valid .
it is going to be a factor in the coming social credit score
or should i say woke credit score
gun ownership definitely hurts your score
“Seems like you’d go and buy crypto currency with your credit card, then turn around to buy ammo/guns with the crypto.”
Most stores don’t accept crypto.
Billions of transactions. Nothing but noise.
“Backdoor gun registration. They’ll know who owns guns and what calibers.”
That info is not transmitted to the CC company.
You missed nothing because it isn’t true
“There will likely be codes for each item.”
Only the transaction amount is transmitted.
“No problem for me, I dont live in NY or Cali, and never will”
The codes are used worldwide. CA/NY are requesting a new code to be added to that database.
In s.c. they take your phone # if you buy ammo.
In s.c. they take your phone # if you buy ammo.
So Government asking the Credit Card Companies to act as a State Actor is addressed in United States constitutional law, a state actor is a person who is acting on behalf of a governmental body, and is therefore subject to limitations imposed on government by the United States Constitution.
Time to drag the Credit Card Companies into Federal Court!
Where is my right to privacy???
I just get by fine without the ‘newest’ in guns.
Masks are still common enough to wear in a store.
Conjoining themselves to government and goverment control, by their own doing.
Tell “Kueen Kathy” to give up her NYSP Guys with Purple Ties security detail with Glocks.
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