I ran across an interesting question recently that was asked on the online version of the LA Times. The reader asked Liz Pulliam Weston, contributor to the Money Talks, what advice she would provide about a local restaurant that was printing her entire credit card number on its receipts. Pulliam offered that that the restaurant was just playing “dumb” about knowing any better. She called her credit card company and was told there was nothing the company could do for her. The reader went on to ask what additional steps she could take to keep the information on her credit card receipts safe.
I was flabbergasted that the card issuer would tell her there was nothing it could do and would not provide her with information that would help her to resolve this issue. This just goes to prove that, as a consumer, you can’t allow yourself to be bullied by companies that you do business with, including credit card companies.
As the writer knew and as Liz stated in her response, having your full credit card number printed on the receipt is an open invitation to identity thieves. Because of this fact, Congress enacted new legislation in December of last year to keep consumers protected. In essence, all US businesses are required to truncate the credit card information on receipts. At most, they can only show the last five digits of the credit card number on a receipt and are not allowed to show the expiration date. If the business uses handwritten or imprinted receipts that are created using a special device to transfer the numbers physically to the receipt, then these rules don’t apply.
If the business in question uses electronic receipts, you can file a complaint by calling (877) FTC-HELP or (877) 382-4357. Or, you can visit the FTC website and file a complaint. Of course, you can also complain to the manager and let that person know that you will no longer be doing business with them until the issue is resolved.
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