Skip to main content
Want to Buy Cold Medicine at Target? They'll Try to Scan Your Driver's License
Years of exposure to advertising has taught me that when I go to Target, I should "Expect more pay less". Well clearly, they need to change their motto to "Expect to get your driver's license swiped through a barcode reader."
Indeed, this morning I got quite the surprise in the checkout lane. The cashier was happy to ring up all my purposes, but when she got to my box of DayQuil she paused. "I need to see your ID for this," she said.
Hmm. The DayQuil wasn't locked up and there was no sign saying I needed to show ID to buy it. But, I know folks use DayQuil and other over-the-counter meds to cook meth and other drugs. I figured the cashier just needed to see that I'm over 21. Even a blind bat could tell that I am, but whatever, I pulled out my ID and held it up so she could see photo and birthday.
The cashier tried to take it out of my hand. "I need to swipe it it."
Hold up. Swipe it?
"Yes," she said, pointing to a bar code reader on the side of the cash register. "I need to swipe it."
"Why do you need to swipe my ID?" I know I had on my Major Side Eye face when I asked, but I didn't care. Any corporation trying to swipe my government ID sends warning bells off in my head. Heck, they don't even swipe driver's licenses at the airport, so why does Target need to do so?
"To verify your age," she replied. "Because that's our store policy."
Since when? I've had bronchitis since mid-November and have been in Target buying both DayQuil and NyQuil. And generic OTC Claritin. No one has so much as peeped about scanning my license.
I refused to hand my license over, so the clerk said I couldn't buy the DayQuil. I asked for a manager and explained to him that there was no way in hell I was going to hand over my goverment issued ID so that Target could scan and download all the data available in the barcode on the back.
"Legally, you can't make me do that," I told him. "And if I you did swipe it and download my data and your system got hacked by identity thieves, I would file a class action lawsuit against you since your request is illegal."
Now, I don't really know if it's illegal for them to require me to let them scan my ID for DayQuil, but I was betting on them not knowing either. Plus, I live in Los Angeles. Any mention of lawsuits scares folks.
Next thing you know, the manager agreed to allow me to verbally tell them my birth date, which they then typed into the register. Then he entered a password to override the ID-swiping requirement.
Here's the funny thing: I've been sick since November 13, so I've purchased a LOT of cold medicine. During one trip to Rite Aid, I bought some DayQuil, NyQuil AND TheraFlu--all at the same time. That cashier at Rite Aid didn't say anything to me about ID.
What's going on with Target and their little ID scanning scheme, and what are they doing with everybody's data?
Comments
on public radio a few years ago. SCARY stuff. I don't even trust those grocery/drug store "discount" cards but that's a whole 'nother story.
The possibilities for misuse of data definitely make me nervous. But then again, I use Facebook. I constantly struggle with the public/private balance. Sigh.
Anne,
Wow. All that for some gift wrap? All a store should need for you to buy something is money. I'm glad you stuck to your guns and challenged him. Good for you!
I saw a story about companies making people swipe their ID to get into a building. And according to the report it is illegal in California for a business to require that you let them swipe your government issued ID for any reason. They can ask to see it but not swipe.
I quit shopping at Target last year when it was revealed that it gives money to crazy conservative candidates.