ConsumerWatch: Stores Requiring ID, Tracking To Prevent Repeated Returns
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) – When you make a return this holiday season you may have to hand over more than just your receipt, as retailers try to prevent repeated returns.
“I was required to provide them a copy of my driver’s license, where they actually took the information and scanned it into their database,” said a shopper who asked to be identified only as Leslie.
Leslie told the sales associate at The Children’s Place that she was uncomfortable handing over her ID just to make an exchange, but she was told that the requirement is corporate policy.
In fact, according to the National Retail Federation, 62 percent of retailers have a similar policy. Among those who demand ID for returns are The Finish Line, Home Depot, Target and more.
So where does your information go? Likely it’s being stored on The Retail Equation, a service which tracks how often you bring stuff back and identifies habitual returners.
The retail exchange has said return fraud and “renting” – buying an item to wear and return – costs the retail industry billions each year.
In an effort to stop that practice, they’re tracking you, and all of your returns at their participating stores, in a database.
Return items too frequently, and you may lose your right to bring back your purchases anywhere
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) – When you make a return this holiday season you may have to hand over more than just your receipt, as retailers try to prevent repeated returns.
“I was required to provide them a copy of my driver’s license, where they actually took the information and scanned it into their database,” said a shopper who asked to be identified only as Leslie.
Leslie told the sales associate at The Children’s Place that she was uncomfortable handing over her ID just to make an exchange, but she was told that the requirement is corporate policy.
In fact, according to the National Retail Federation, 62 percent of retailers have a similar policy. Among those who demand ID for returns are The Finish Line, Home Depot, Target and more.
So where does your information go? Likely it’s being stored on The Retail Equation, a service which tracks how often you bring stuff back and identifies habitual returners.
The retail exchange has said return fraud and “renting” – buying an item to wear and return – costs the retail industry billions each year.
In an effort to stop that practice, they’re tracking you, and all of your returns at their participating stores, in a database.
Return items too frequently, and you may lose your right to bring back your purchases anywhere
customer service reps. However, If I have my reciept, no matter how many times I return things, it should never be a problem. Not only that, I dont like the idea of every Tom, Dick and Mary, having access to my ID. 
