Identity Theft Paranoia

"Excellent! I now have this customer's postal code.

Now her bank account is MINE!

HA HA HA HA!"

So, I'm buying something at Winners (I'm a City worker earning slightly above minimum wage), and there's this woman paying for something just ahead of me. The clerk is friendly and greets the customer, then asks "Can I get your postal code?". The customer, focused on the contents of her purse, tersely says back, "Absolutely not, I don't give out personal information."

I thought to myself, "What the hell was Winners planning to do with her Postal Code? What evil plot were they hatching?" There was more confusion as the clerk rang through her items and said "$66.72 is your total". The customer, who had valiantly resisted Winners' probing questions into her private life, reaches into her wallet and gives the clerk a credit card. I thought to myself, "I'm glad this lady keeps the important info to herself, what harm could there possibly be in doling out credit card info, right?"

I've also purchased something at Best Buy, who take your phone number, so in case you lose your receipt you're covered. If there's a recall they'll notify you. But you still hear the blowhards out there proudly declare, "My number's unlisted", as if to suggest his social standing is one level away from knighthood.

However, my friends, this blog isn't just about whining about people, its about helping people. Here's what you do:

• Make up a phone number if you're really uncomfortable and consistently use it.
• Use a fake name if you're uneasy about giving your real one. It can even be a dorky name such as "Eric".
• Use your fake name with your real address. This will test to see if companies may have sold your info to mass-marketing firms.
• Check your credit card and bank account info online at least every other day.
• Buy a shredder and shred anything with your name on it.

Finally, lighten up! Most clerks aren't looking to pick a fight, some are actually nice people. And you're not seen as being tough when you whine about your unlisted number. And realize that some companies are actually trying to help you.

I guess it all comes down to common sense and gut feel. The clerk at Winners did not ask me for my Postal Code when it was my turn to pay. So, it was either a random survey or the clerk didn't want another uncomfortable episode.