So, good people, I was in a well known department store the other day, just biding my time while waiting in line, and once again heard the same old, same old offered to the woman ahead of me, "What's your phone number?" "Your zip code." "Would you like to save 10% on your purchase today?"
The woman kindly declined the offer/refused to **bleep** at the bait, paid for her purchase and went on her way.
When it came to be my turn, and after I'd given my phone number and zip code, I said to the cashier, "I'm sure glad you guys don't bug me about that, anymore," to which the cashier smiled and said, "You're already with us."
I was curious to know how it was that she knew that, and asked. She proceeded to tell me that the info was provided her once she put in my phone number and zip code. She also said that the same information triggers preapproved status, as do driver's license numbers, and so I ask you, isn't this a violation of one's right to privacy?
I find this all so rather disturbing -- to think that a mere cashier would have at her/his disposal such information that would deem a person creditworthy. I might add that upon inquiring about the extent of the information she had access to, she said that it was limited to making the offer of credit. It still troubles me, nonetheless.
