Invasion of privacy?????

Our local supemarket (Supervalue) has today, started insisting on your phone number on the docket when you withdraw cash thru the eftpos. Until now, they have only asked for your signature.
I find this an unneccessary (sp) invasion of my privacy. I mean, the ATM machines don't ask for your phone number before dispensing cash.

The supermarket has always encouraged customers to withdraw cash with their payments and we have no ATM machine in town. A few of the other businesses in town also allow cash out and do not require a phone number.

What do they need your phone number for?? how are they going to authenticate it?? what will they do with a false one???? I mean, they have already processed the transaction and it will be a lot of work to cancel it and do it again without the cash out.

I know there are a lot more things in life to be concerned about, but this issue really irritates me. The same as when one tries to order a pizza, cash in hand, at the pizza shop. They insist on a surname. I just give them whatever comes to mind [}]. They do not need to know who you are when you are standing in front of them, paying with cash.

Any thoughts on this matter???
I shall be asking the owners of the supermarket when I next come across any of them.

We used to have to write phone number (and address) on the backs of cheques. How is this different? Information-provision-fatigue?!

Isla;307608 wrote: We used to have to write phone number (and address) on the backs of cheques. How is this different? Information-provision-fatigue?!

There was a valid reason for that information being required - in case the cheque bounced [:0] the recipient could then contact you.

In this case, it is an eftpos transaction, which is either accepted or declined on the spot so no need for personal information.
They have only started doing this today and the counter staff seemed quite embarrassed at having to ask for the information, so I guess they had quite a bit of resistance to it this morning.

Its not an invasion of privacy as you dont have to withdraw cash...Its just a service they offer (for nothing might I add) and if they want your phone number as part of you using that service, then so be it...

Oh I'm with Ronnie on this one. Thing I cannot stand is every man and his dog wanting to know my birthday. Was a time when it was polite not to enquire, at least not in the circles I belong in.

Now, just because some computer geek who wrote a programme with provision for a birthdate, that will not work without the information, they say, "oh we have to have that for the records" . DOS used to accept XX XX XX . Sometimes in sheer frustration I give OB JE CT. Bankers, chemists, tax consultants, all clammering for this information. Soon it will be the butcher the baker and the candlestick maker. Had the police ask me my DOB when enquiring after someone I didn't know, late one evening in my own house. I told them it was none of their dam business. My name was enough and if they had doubts as to my identity, go to the council and check the ownership of the property.

Tried 01 01 01 once only to find they emailed me and said they didn't accept 5yr olds registering. I emailed them back and asked if they had considered I might be 105, and since they were not interested in doing business with me, they obviously did not value customers.

We've had enough trouble with some trollop stealing our address for pecuniary gain, so I resent intrusion into personal information by all and sundry. I paid a bill via the postshop once. They wanted my phone number. I told them it was unlisted and they couldn't have it.[V] You'd think they would have been happy just to accept my money.

I'll fold up my soapbox now and put it away

I'm with you on this one Ronnie for the simple reason that initialling the recept when being given money (your money) in an eftpos transaction was so that you could not come back and say - "But I was never given the money and didn't realise until I got home etc etc."

Daft as this sounds, I had the opposite happen at a Service Station and I got my $100 but it hadn't been put through the system. Staff oversight and too much talking! They used the video footage to see if they could find the person and guess what - how lucky were they - it was me and my receipt clearly did not show the $100 being charged. I was quite happy to sort it out as I am honest - and they know me! laugh

I'm so used to initialling the receipt that it blows my socks off when shops don't ask for it! I guess the only thing to do is ring the Mangager and ask why they need your phone number. Hell there may be a good reason but as has been said - what does that tell them? Daft idea.

another vote here for "totaly with ronnie" ... um sorry no way do they need my phone number or my adress, as ronnie says , there is no need , its simple, the EFTpos either accepts or it doesn't ... they have no bloody need at all ever to know how to contact me
I agree with sign recipt to say you got the cash .. as that way you can't then say you weren't given it

I'm with you Ronnie, I would object too. None of their business and as you say its either accepted or declined on the spot. Too many peple these days seem to think that it is the norm to ask for personal information , it would get my back up too and i would tell them to get lost and go elsewhere.

ronnie;307604 wrote: Our local supemarket (Supervalue) has today, started insisting on your phone number on the docket when you withdraw cash thru the eftpos. Until now, they have only asked for your signature.
I find this an unneccessary (sp) invasion of my privacy. I mean, the ATM machines don't ask for your phone number before dispensing cash.

Surely they are insisting on a phone number. I'm sure you could find one to keep them happy.

A

Maybe they just thought you were cute.

I also can see no need for this.
You could ask for the manager's home number in exchange and see what they say...

The service they are providing also benefits them. Since the cash-out service became a possibility all retail stores have less physical cash to track, secure and bank, all of which are expensive, and it also reduces the risk of burglary/hold-ups.

ame;307629 wrote: Surely they are insisting on a phone number. I'm sure you could find one to keep them happy...

write down the shop's ph no.

Isla;307630 wrote: Maybe they just thought you were cute.

hee hee

Don't forget your most likely under CCTV when writing down your number for them.

Invasion of privacy is a way of life.
Google Earth/Maps, CCTV in shops/streets/public places/motorways, passport chips, EFTPOS transactions. It saves lives, catches crooks and invades your privacy.

The cheque address and phone number one made us laugh. Steal cheque make up name and sign then you'll put your real address and real phone number on the back yeah right.
I agree with Ronnie put first number that you can think of

They already have your eftpos card number so can track you via the bank whom I presume will have most of your details...
Do they need your details for the purpose of selling you groceries...I think not therefore the collection of your personal info is not required.

So dont give it to them

If the card is stolen by you and you beat up the owner to get the pin...and it hasnt been reported yet.....I doubt you would give them your correct phone number ,,,,but then crims are not that smart so maybe they would
or give a prepaid cell phone that will lead nowhere.....

Personally I would ask the manager why this is store policy???

on a lighter note ...maybe the checkout operator was just after your phone number Ronnie lol [}]

They probably ask for it because some checkout operator gave out too much money. If they want it back they have to ring you and although they have your eftpos number the bank won't give them your name and phone number (protection of your privacy).

I'd make up a phone number. In fact, I still remember an old one we once had and that's the one real estate agents and the likes are getting from me. The supermarket would be next in line.

If an ATM gives out too much money the bank will use the video surveillance to track the customer down. As the bank already has your phone number there is no privacy issue.

If you say you've already spent the money and they can't have it back you'll be surprised to learn that the bank is entitled to recover the debt.