Indoor Range/Shop wants to scan DL?

[GRB]

At one range where I shoot in Nassau County, NY it is required that you show your license to prove residency. It is a county range and residents shoot for less. I prefer going to a private range that is much more of a drive whenever I can make it there.

As for this:

Quote:
I won't even tell stores my zipcode when they ask, just on principle.

That's not principle -- it's just silly. Collecting individual information: bad! Collecting aggregate information: harmless!

Well, I don't think it is silly to refuse to give your zip code. You see they used to only ask for your zip code when you were at a register in a store like Sports Authority - now they also ask for your phone number. Know why they graduated to your phone number too, because people gave them their zip codes and got used to it, then it was an easy thing to move up to a phone number. Ever wonder where these places that give those annoying advertising calls got your phone number even though it was unlisted? Sure they can have it pop up randonmly, but they also buy lists from places where you have given away it freely (although I do not believe Sports Authority gives them away other places do). I have also had places ask for my email address or home address - bad idea to give any of these out as far as I an concerned.

Best reagrds,
Glenn B

 

[deej]

How do these accidents happen? I wouldn't want to make the same mistake.

Whatever you do, don't accidentally and repeatedly make a point of running your DL across those security device deactivating pads you see in stores.

 

[Bear Gulch]

I would object to showing dl. Just like I don't by ammo at Wally world with their little register. I know that they are just serving their corporate masters but I ain't playing.

 

[taliv]

Quote:
I won't even tell stores my zipcode when they ask, just on principle.

That's not principle -- it's just silly. Collecting individual information: bad! Collecting aggregate information: harmless!

think again
http://www.computerworld.com/industrytopics/retail/story/0,10801,49908,00.html

think again
http://www.macon.com/mld/philly/business/events/7127191.htm

sums it up

The downside is that you've allowed a corporation to create a fairly intimate profile of your tastes. The music you listen to and the books you read can tell a lot about you. Your zip code can indicate what kind of income bracket you are likely in. This allows the corporation to not only market to you more precisely, but to possibly engage in price discrimination as well. Can't happen? Remember Amazon's woes when it was revealed that it had a practice of "variable pricing"?

link

 

[d906670]

I will all ways give them my a phone number ( its the nonemergancy number to the PD). I install card readers so scanning my DL they don't like what it says

 

[Kruzr]

At our range, unless you're a member, we will hold on to one driver's license, passport or military ID per lane while you shoot. You pay on the way out. We don't scan them or do anything but confirm the number with the waiver.

 

[Cool Hand Luke 22:36]

Illegal for any except Banks and specifically authorized State Offices to do so here in VA.

 

[rdbrowning]

I had to go to Chicago to the International Truck plant last week. At the security check in they asked for my DL. At other plants they just looked at you and the picture to confirm that it was you. This plant scanned it. I'm not sure what info MI puts on it, but I'm not real comfortable with that.

 

[Andrew Rothman]

I won't even tell stores my zipcode when they ask, just on principle.

That's not principle -- it's just silly. Collecting individual information: bad! Collecting aggregate information: harmless!

think again

Taliv, none of the examples you cite relates in any way to a store asking for aggregation information like ZIP code.

Amazon charged different amounts -- but do you think that a retail store would?

Insurance companies discriminate based on ZIP code -- but the store isn't an insurance company -- and if they were, they'd KNOW your zip code.

Online music retailers in your third example tied your information to YOU -- the OPPOSITE of aggregate-only profiling.

So I did think again, and you're still wrong. Sorry.

 

[Ala Dan]

When I use my local PD handgun range, I have to sign in with complete
address and drivers license number; plus sign a waiver of liability that
relieves the city of any and all responsibility. But there is NO scaning
of the DL, or other forms of ID.

 

[Phil Ca]

When I buy something it is usually with cash. If the clerk asks for a zip code I usually tell them to use their store's zip code. At one store when I would not give a zip code the clerk entered 99999 w/o batting an eye.

If someone asks for my socialist insecurity number I ask them if they intend to contribute to the SS fund on my behalf.

Many stores and firms are using deceptive practices to gain information on you, some for the reason that they want to call you on your phone to try to sell something. I generaly look at the caller ID and if it is something like 1-999-999-9999 it goes unanswered. If it is a toll free caller the machine can do the answering for me. Phone sales calls go unanswered.

My driver's license has never been scanned by a store that I am aware of. I would question a gun range that feels they ave to make a date base on you from your personal info. I will show my DL if they need to know that I am me.

The proliferation of ID theft in this country should make anyone more cautios in their daily dealings in the market place.

Insurance companies are notorious for "Red Lining" people who live in 'less desirable' areas. Even pizza shops will not deliver to certain zip codes or other areas usaually marked by streets and cross streets.

Shredding any paper item with your bname, address, phone number or SS, account number or other identifying item is in your best interest. You do not have to be paranoid. There really are people out to get you for one thing or another.

 

[taliv]

Taliv, none of the examples you cite relates in any way to a store asking for aggregation information like ZIP code.

I'm not arguing about aggregate information. Your premise that zip code is aggregate information is what's wrong. Zip code, while seemingly harmless, is specific information about you, not aggregate information.

Amazon charged different amounts -- but do you think that a retail store would?

yes, this is undeniably a component of the trend we're seeing. Not only is it part of the trend, but charging different amounts is the primary driver for collecting info. Retail stores will definitely charge whatever the "market will bear". Why wouldn't they? I sure would (and do).

Insurance companies discriminate based on ZIP code -- but the store isn't an insurance company -- and if they were, they'd KNOW your zip code.

if they KNOW, then why do they ask?

Online music retailers in your third example tied your information to YOU -- the OPPOSITE of aggregate-only profiling.

again, aggregate-only profiling may be harmless, but asking for zip codes isn't aggregate-only.


This, in my opinion, is very much like the arguments of the pro-martha stewart people. i.e. "inside trading is victimless crime" and "she didn't hurt anyone, so she shouldn't have to go to prison"

The fact that SO MANY PEOPLE aren't intelligent or educated enough to understand HOW they're being harmed is all the more reason to punish people and all the more reason for you to protect your privacy.

 

[Molon Labe]

Gosh, I hate accidentally degaussing my DL shortly after I receive it.

Yea, me too. I'm not sure why, but every time I get a new DL, the magnetic strip on the back somehow gets erased.

 

[Fly320s]

Quote:
Gosh, I hate accidentally degaussing my DL shortly after I receive it.

Yea, me too. I'm not sure why, but every time I get a new DL, the magnetic strip on the back somehow gets erased

Bummer. No magnetic strip here, only bar codes.

Would using a Dremmel tool on the bar codes be too obvious?

 

[George S.]

If I get asked for a phone number or a ZIP code at a store, I usually give a clerk a bogus number. That way, he get what he needs and I get security. As far as scanning or using the information on your DL for marketing, you should check your state laws about how a DL can be used.

Here in WA, you cannot make a photocopy of a DL. The new DL's have a bar code on them but no magnetic strip. The barcode contains basic infor like the DL number and expiration date. It is for identification or to prove you are licensed to drive a motor vehicle. Some stores may want the DL number to put on your check when you pay for something in that fashion.

I use my DL number as a sort of anti-theft number. I engrave it on some items that may be susceptible to theft. That way I can prove to an LEO that something belongs to me should it get stolen and recovered.

 

[spartacus2002]

When asked for my ZIP, I'd NEVER give something incorrect like, say, 90210

Or the phone, how about 1-900-867-5309

 

[kihnspiracy]

Bottom line, it is your info. If you don't want to give any out, you don't have to. I would find another place to shoot. And I would also tell the gun range why I won't be spending my hard earned cash there anymore until they change their business practices. I would also tell all of my shooting buddies. Vote with your wallet.

 

[10 Ring Tao]

You must be talking about the firing line in westland. It bothered me too, when they 'swiped' my license, as you would a credit card through a reader to read the magnetic bar on the back, and didn't tell me when or why they were doing it.

I should call and ask why they do that.

I avoid that place anyway, its become overpriced, and I've gotten attitude from two of the employees, especially the tall brunette woman.

 

[2400]

And I would also tell the gun range why I won't be spending my hard earned cash there anymore until they change their business practices. I would also tell all of my shooting buddies. Vote with your wallet .

Ding, ding, ding we have a winner!!

 

[P0832177]

The Burnsville Pistol Range (MN) scans the DL. I never questioned it! I think it is an expedient method of data collection! J&S Custom Guns does the same thing when you buy a gun.

 

[AirForceShooter]

ID's

I pay for an unlisted number, think i'm going to give it to you??

I LIE!!!

I was in Radio Shack returning an item I had paid cash for. The dweeb behind the glass wanted my: name, address, phone number and DL number.

May the good lord forgive me I gave him nothing but lies and the number from my expired and another state DL.

I'm still trying to figue out how it's ok for somebody to know all about me and sell my info without at least sharing the profits with me.

 

[Andrew Rothman]

I'm not arguing about aggregate information. Your premise that zip code is aggregate information is what's wrong. Zip code, while seemingly harmless, is specific information about you, not aggregate information.

When you walk into the store, buy the stuff, and the checkout guy asks for your ZIP, that's ALL they get! All they can conclude is that 54% of their clients come from 85254.

It not individual info unless they can tie it to YOU.

 

[Brian Dale]

More on Radio Shack because it's relevant to the "spend your money elsewhere" theme:

Radio Shack used to ask every customer for name, address and phone. They were probably serious about their policy of not sharing that info (they said that they used it just to mail monthly "Sale" fliers); anyway I never got any other junk mail with the typo in my name that somehow { } got into the info I gave them. One Radio Shack clerk told me he'd seen a training film there in which some corporate officer claimed they were "Vicious" about protecting customers' confidentiality. He'd never heard that word in a training film before.

Fair enough. Why does this matter?

At Christmas a year ago, another Radio Shack guy I knew told me they'd just been instructed at their weekly meeting to STOP asking for personal info (except for returns -- they aren't perfect). The policy had been announced by their CEO and was effective immediately. Why? The obvious: people didn't like it.

So Radio Shack changed what they had been doing for years.

Giving feedback to companies works. Voting with your feet works.

 

[stealthmode]

RINGER


did you ever find out why the range wants to scan your license and what they use the iformation for?

 

[Bear Gulch]

Data collection for what purpose? The zip code only is so retailers can fine tune advertizing to hit geographic areas. But to scan a DL (especially in these days of a proposed National ID) is ridiculous.

Besides Radio Shack have thought that I am Ben Dover from 666 El Diablo Lane for years.