GNC Manager demanded to see my ID in order to make a purchase today with my VISA.

[Anonymous]

I went to GNC today, ive been to this location a couple times never had an issue like this.

I went to the counter with my item, one guy came over asked me if i wanted to buy another tub of protein because its buy one get one half. Then asked me if i wanted to become a GNC member for $15. I said no thank you. Then the manager comes over, and hes like "i got this ill ring him up." Then proceeds to ask me the same exact questions the previous sales person did. Again i said no thank you. He scans the item, i pull out my wallet, shuffle through 4 cc's pull out my freedom. I notice him looking the whole time. I swiped and then he started demanding to see some ID.

I said no, why should i have to show you ID? 'Ive never had to show ID to make a purchase anywhere. Ive been here before why do i have to show ID now? He then tells me its company policy, and how credit card companies require it. I told him "Thats not true, thats how you lose your visa license." He then says something idiotic "Well AMEX requires we ID everyone thats how it is." I started laughing at him "I told him you really dont want me to call AMEX and tell them you are requiring ID for purchases, they will call you so fast, dont do it." I told him i dont want to complain but he really should look it up, because this is how you lose your merchant license with them.. He just looked at me pissed when i kept refusing. 

He then said whatever, and rang me up.

This was a manager by the way. I was pretty shocked. Im not really sensitive or touchy, but i felt like i was being discriminated against. Im a mid 20s black guy with a beard and I had on a baseball cap. Im wondering if he felt i was scamming him or something. I dont know. A gentleman was serviced before me, he swiped his card and was not asked for ID. Again im normally not sensitive, but i cant ignore the feeling.

Debating if i should report them to VISA. Or call GNC corporate. 

Have you been asked to see ID to make a purchase before on an unrestricted item?

[ChistineNJ]

maybe im sensitive as well but id call, ive bought items from them before and i have not been Id. and especially if the person before you had not been id

[Creditfan1234]

This happened to me at a merchant once and it took me for suprise. I like you haven't been asked for ID and it was a very small amount. The cashier told me it was because i hadnt signed my card on the back. Odd.

[Anonymous]

Lots of places ask for ID now. Staples, for example, asks every time I shop there. It isn't a big deal. And I'm a 59 year old white guy.

[mxp114]

File a complaint: https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/consumers/get-support/report-problem-shopping.html I can't seem to find the Visa version but just use MasterCard, GNC has one merchant account anyway.

Also call 1-412-288-4600 and ask for executive customer service. They can educate the manager and it is possible there was some profiling going on there. I never show ID and direct them to look at my signature if they want to verify ID.

[longtime_lurker]

I would call too - both GNC corporate and VISA. I would tell VISA that they're requiring IDs for purchases. I would then call GNC corporate and explain that you were asked for your ID for the first time by this manager. You've been there before, never needed an ID, and witnessed people in front of you process transactions without ID, and that you were told you absolutely had to show ID by this individual.

See what they say, I don't go to GNC for other reasons, but I would be uncomfortable after that experience, too.

Good luck, OP. 

[jsucool76]

Visa allows merchants to ask for an ID if the card is not signed. is your card signed? 

Only visa/mc prohibit asking for ID. Amex does not prohibit it, and Discover encourages it. 

https://usa.visa.com/checkoutfees/contact.jsp - The guy did accept your card, but you can still complain if it makes you feel better. 

[Anonymous]

I've been asked for my ID several times in the last few weeks when using my Amex.  Like you, they were small purchases at stores I frequent.  I think they are amping up their fraud prevention efforts.  .  

[Anonymous]

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@ChistineNJ wrote:

maybe im sensitive as well but id call, ive bought items from them before and i have not been Id. and especially if the person before you had not been id

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Yeah im going to think about it may call GNC corporate and Visa tomorrow. 

I used to be a cashier in retail, and i never carded anyone, nor was there ever a reason to. 

In my mind i can only see it as a form of discrimination. Maybe i didnt look like someone who would use a credit card. 

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@Creditfan1234 wrote:

This happened to me at a merchant once and it took me for suprise. I like you haven't been asked for ID and it was a very small amount. The cashier told me it was because i hadnt signed my card on the back. Odd.

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At first i quickly assumed it was this also when i walked away, but the terminal requires you to swipe yourself, so the manager never really saw or touched my card. 

[longtime_lurker]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Lots of places ask for ID now. Staples, for example, asks every time I shop there. It isn't a big deal. And I'm a 59 year old white guy.

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Doesn't make it right. Why does Staples need to see my ID? The whole idea behind signature verification is for them to compare the signature on the back of the card with the signature on the receipt. This is exactly why "SEE ID" is not a valid signature on the back of the card.