A thumbprint to cash a check!

[coriolis]

I just went to a bank to cash a check. I don't have an account at that bank, but the check was drawn on that bank. They required that I give them a thumbprint in addition to the usual picture ID. What's this world coming to? Let me guess: Patriot act.

[GalvestonDuck]

I've only had to cash checks at banks other than my own a few times and not that I remember in the past couple of years.

I've done the thumbprint thing here and in KY. It's not new or post-9/11.

[stormraiser]

It's their way of tracking the person who cashed the check, just in case it is stolen or something.

[Skywatch_NC]

Wonder if banks will start doing as P.O.s and start posting Most Wanted (in this case...thumbprints) on a wall?

Eric

[GalvestonDuck]

Yup, I searched further because...well, that's what I do.

http://www.debankers.com/thumbprintmerchant.cfm

GENERAL INFORMATION
On December 1, 1995, a number of Texas financial institutions began using a new security device known as the Thumbprint Signature touch pad. The touch pad is intended to deter counterfeit and stolen check fraud by obtaining a Thumbprint Signature (fingerprint) from customers. The Thumbprint Signature can be used by law enforcement agencies in the investigation of fraud claims and usage of the program is a natural deterrent. Participants will not retain the Thumbprint Signature in their files and the signature will be shared with law enforcement officials only in cases of suspected fraud.

BACKGROUND
Texas Bankers Association developed the Thumbprint Signature program in conjunction with the Clearing House Association of the Southwest, after pilot programs in Arizona and Nevada were found to be significantly helpful in decreasing check fraud. Since the inception of the program, the test group of participating banks has experienced an average 63% reduction in fraudulent checks passed by non-customers.

Thumbprint Signature has become very popular with banks and merchants of all sizes because it offers an easy, inexpensive way to prevent fraud without inconveniencing customers. Over 175 Texas financial institutions now participate in the program, and this number does not include branch locations for the many institutions that have more than one facility. In response to the success of the Texas program, a total of 30 states have already implemented similar programs, now including Delaware (see attached list). Other participants include a wide variety of businesses such as check cashing establishments, liquor stores, grocery and convenience stores and more.

While the program is designed to deter check fraud, it has also proven to be an effective crime-fighting tool. In the Austin, Texas area alone, Thumbprint Signature has been used in more than a dozen check fraud cases, and at least two criminals have been convicted and are currently serving jail sentences.

[HurricaneGirl]

The only time I had to do that was when I cashed an income tax refund check years ago. I did see some ink things at the teller line where I bank the other day though.

[streetsoldier]

They do that here in grocery stores.

[Lindaloo]

That method has been around long before the Patriot Act. I had to do it when I worked in Mobile at Allstate to cash my payroll check at the same bank Allstate banked with.

[coriolis]

Well, I don't like it one bit! Now my thumbprint is in circulation. All we need now is some hairbrained new law that would gather all the personal information that's out there and eventually use it against us. What's next? biometric scanners, tatoos, implanted microchips tied into the Global positioning system, "666" on our foreheads............? They're coming to get us and our kids, I'm tellin ya. I should start a website. It won't be any more nutty than the "rock readers."

[Lindaloo]

LOL Ed! Actually in this case the thumbprint stays at the bank and does not circulate unless you steal checks and try to cash them. heehee

[Rainband]

Yes. My Mom has to do it when she cashes her check at Publix

[GalvestonDuck]

Well, I don't like it one bit! Now my thumbprint is in circulation. All we need now is some hairbrained new law that would gather all the personal information that's out there and eventually use it against us. What's next? biometric scanners, tatoos, implanted microchips tied into the Global positioning system, "666" on our foreheads............? They're coming to get us and our kids, I'm tellin ya. I should start a website. It won't be any more nutty than the "rock readers."

Heck, here in TX, you submit a thumbprint when you get your driver's license also.

[coriolis]

Fine. Ya want some DNA with that?

[GalvestonDuck]

Fine. Ya want some DNA with that?

Yeah. Roll up yer sleeve while I slip on my gloves.

[Lindaloo]

Fine. Ya want some DNA with that?

Um no thanks!

[BEER980]

Welcome to the machine coriolis. There plenty of web sites about all that you mentioned out there. They are using the biometrics at Sea World now. I watched a video of it on the web the other day and people were laughing about it. They thought it was cool that they had to scan their hand print for the special pass they had. Let me know if you really want some links.

[Winnipesaukee]

I think this is pretty neat and could have some real time saving possibilities.

It's be neat if I could set up an account with my local supermarket so that when I buy stuff I can just slap my thumb on something instead of having to deal with carrying cash around and having pockets full of change. Lines would move faster and it'd be easier to just get a monthly bill.

[BEER980]

It is already being tested and used at some supermarkets Winnipesaukee.

[coriolis]

Yeah, Beer, PM me or post the links. All this security/convenience stuff is implemented "for our protection" with assurances of privacy and limited use. But you and I know that safeguards can easily be rescinded in the event of an "emergency." All this cool technoogy in the wrong hands could be used for control.

There are proponents of a cashless society, and once that happens, we are entirely at the mercy of "the machine." Just think - getting rid of cash would be great in the battle against the drug trade, prostitution, street crime, counterfeiting, employment of illegals, tax evasion. (NOT) If things get really bad, the people can/will elect a government that promises more safety, but with a price. Then the gov't can electronically freeze the accounts of criminals, various trouble makers, political opponents, critics, and all enemies of the regime. It's moving slowly forward.

It's the old safety/freedom tradeoff.

Not only that, this information could be hacked or compromised by a disgruntled employees, etc.

I would rather get robbed of the money in my wallet than have my account or even my identity taken over by a criminal.

Someone should ask Bush and Kerry what they think of the cashless society. Is Bush distracting us with foreign enemies? Would Kerry accelerate the growth of an intrusive govt? Is Islam really the threat we should be worried about? Lots of questions. Too few answers.

[BEER980]

Start here for the Sea World video.