Request for ID - am I just paranoid?
 

I stopped at the local gym to inquire as to how much it would cost. They gave me a "waiver" to sign which asked for my name, address, phone number, wife's name, children's name, employer etc - data mining 101. And it was one of those duplicate/carbon copy forms - I should have kept it.

Then they asked for my ID, and I asked why. "We need to make a photocopy of it."
Why? "So we can attach it to the waiver."
Why? What do you do with it then? "We send it to corporate"
And what do they do with it? "I don't know."
I followed up with "So I can't simply inquire about the cost of a membership without giving you a hard copy of all my personal information?" They replied "Yes. We can't allow you in here without that."
But I'm already in here. "Yeah, but we can't let you past this point."
Ok, can you send the guy out here to talk to me? "No, we can't."
I said "OK, thanks for you time." and headed for the door.
Apparently there was a sudden policy change, as the "membership guy" was suddenly available for questions, outside of the safety of the Forbidden Zone.

Am I being paranoid?

Another example: I returned some stuff at Home Depot - no big deal, I've done it before, right? They asked for ID - again, BTDT. But this time she scanned the QC code (or whatever it is) on the back. So now they've captured everything that's encoded on it, and who knows what they're going to do with it.

Again, I think this is an example of excessive capture, and in light of the inability to keep said captured data safe, I don't think it's a good idea - at least not for us on the wrong end of the datastream.

They do that to prove they aren't giving out free 7 day passes to people who already have been members before or are just out-of-towners trying to scam some free gym time on vacation.

rjp

No, you're not being paranoid. I don't give my DL to anyone. Especially if their reason is 'just because'. Because up until just 8 years ago my DL number was my SSN. Whoever thought that was a good idea fell on their head as a child. Repeatedly. But I digress.

What gets me is when facebook wanted to 'verify' my identity. Someone thought I was using a fake name (I was) and so they suspended my account (and page that had 20K followers). In order to get it back they wanted copies of my drivers license, proof of address (via a W2 or 1099) and social security card (for future payments if they should decide to start paying me). Yeah, no. That was the end of FB for me.

And the reason for showing ID for returns is to track what and how often you return things. More than 3 in a specific time and you're banned from returning things to hundreds of different stores for months (like returning 3 things to Target and you can't make returns, even with a receipt, to Bass Pro Shops or Victoria's Secret). Don't google that and how these underground companies keep track of everything you do via your DL unless you really wanna be paranoid.

I don't give people **** when I'm giving them my money.

You give me the goods /service, I give you money.

That's it.

Nothing more.

And I have no issue walking out the door with my money if they insist otherwise.

Most of the time they cave.

They are way out of line asking for all that info just to tell you about the place. Do you give a clothing store your credit card info just to shop? Really? Corporate probably rewards them for the info.
Frankly, based on what you already experienced I wouldn't join regardless. They may be wanting a DNA sample to pay for a membership...

Back in 1976 got my Driver's license without giving my Social Security so mine has always been different. Now they give you a new DL number every time you renew.

They can look at mine to verify the picture and address, but don't let them copy or scan it. If they want to, I just tell them (whatever it is) it's not worth it. They get hacked too much.

Planet Fitness. $10/mo. Open 24 hrs.

This.

LOL, what? You only wanted to know the cost/fees?!
Every gym here has a flyer out at the entrance with the fees and open times and such.
They do not need any info at all from you to give you the information about fees.

First off, gyms suck. All of them. You don’t need to join a gym to get in shape. Secondly, you’re not the least bit paranoid, you actually know how data mining works. Most people just blindly hand over their email address everywhere they go to be a CVS “member” or whatever the fk.

I tell places that I don’t have email. That usually works. If I ever have to fill out a form or provide an email address to use WiFi somewhere, I’m “assman@groper.com” or Dick Hertz or whatever pops into my head.

I just make up emails and SSN's heh.

rjp

Yep. If you are going to use info to track me or sell to others, I'm going to provide false info.

I also have a few expired IDs with old addresses on them. That way they get my real name and nothing else.

the gym thing sounds like something I would do.


I bought rubber gloves at HF the other day. they want my phone number. I would love to have been as a$$ as far why they need my phone number just to buy gloves.
the girl was nice and I new she was just doing what she was told.

As far as Harbor Freight knows, my phone number is 867-5309. Sometimes it's 588-2300.

I've used that one too; it's funny when they type it in and get 30 records for "Jenny"

Are you Jenny?

The biggest scammers as far as tying up your credit are gyms and cell phone companies. In fact, once they have your billing info and bank data they will rotate billing service numbers to ensure you can’t have your bank cancel the transaction. That means if you cancel payment at your bank (required under Reg E) they will simply bill you from a different source. Never sign up for a payment plan with a fixed period of time agreement in order to get their “special rate.”

I give harbor freight a bunch of crap everytime they ask for my phone # in front of a line of other people, then they repeat my name, and address to confirm I am him? Hell no !

I don't know how so many people got her number, but Jenny is muh girl so you all just leave her alone.

One store wouldn't give me a discount card without a phone number so I put the number to their store into the system. I hope they try to call to sell me something...
My e-mail? NoSpamPlease@ (whatever provider comes to mind)

worst in Europe and asia. renting a car or even staying in a hotel, you have to give them your passport to copy. i dont think they copy your dl here when you rent a car or room