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Why Is Retail Giant Target Trying to Scan Your Driver’s License for This Seemingly Simple Purchase?

Mar. 19, 2013 10:44am Liz Klimas

Editor’s note: We have received a response from Target clarifying why it would swipe IDs for the purchase of smoking cessation products that contain nicotine. See our update with their response at the end of this post.

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A person appearing younger than 18 years old might expect to be carded for age-restricted items like tobacco purchases. Americans might even be accustomed to having to produce their driver’s license or some form of government-issued I.D. to purchase decongestants or other medications containing pseudoephedrine. But what about Nicotine patches? And why is only one popular retailer asking for more than just your ID when you’re trying to buy them?

A person named Rodney was doing neither of these things. Still, when he was at Target purchasing nicotine patches, the store clerk asked to scan his ID, giving Rodney pause and eventually leading him to take his business elsewhere.

According to the Consumerist, he was purchasing nicotine patches for his son. Although the FDA sets 18 as the minimum age to purchase smoking cessation products, the fact that he claims to be a father (and later states his age at 57) suggests this restriction would not be a problem.

Target Requires ID Scan to Purchase Nicotine Patches

A Target store near Royersford, Pa. (Photo: AP/George Widman)

In a letter to the Consumerist, Rodney shared details of what happened:

My son, who is trying cast off the vile tobacco habit, called to ask me to pick up a box of nicotine patches that he is using to eases his craving. Since I would do nearly anything to help him quit smoking I tossed a box of the patches in my shopping cart.

At the checkout, the nice lady (really!) asked me for my driver’s license. Assuming that she wanted to verify my age (Wow – being carded at 57) I showed it to her. She then said that she needed to scan the stripe. I declined and told her that I’ve proven my identity and my age and I would prefer to NOT have them record my details.

[...]

She then called over a manager who appeared to have gotten her makeup tips from RuPaul to override the register by inputting my date of birth. The manager then informed me that it was the law to scan my license. Before I could complete my rebuttal, she changed her story that it was store policy whereupon she snatched up the box of patches and left the checkout. The clerk was obviously horrified and mouthed an “I’m sorry” to me. I simply smiled and told her that Target could keep everything else, too.

Nicotine patch (Photo: Wikimedia)

This isn’t the first account where such an instance has happened at Target over nicotine patches either.

Rodney went on to explain that when he purchased the patches at a Wal-Mart afterward, the cashier simply had to verify the purchaser was 18 years or older (Rodney wasn’t carded but said his gray hair might have been a clue).

Ultimately, Rodney said that he “[didn't] want to risk winding up on some database of smokers.”

“I have no way of knowing how this could be used against me during a health insurance claim or background investigation.”

As Rodney pointed out, Target has been in the spotlight recently for its extensive data mining abilities to direct marketing to its customers, which could be exactly why the store wanted to scan his ID in the first place. An article in the New York Times by Charles Duhigg, highlighting a portion of his book “The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and in Business,” showed how Target is able to tell if a woman is pregnant, based on its purchase-tracking capabilities, before even she knows. Duhigg wrote:

For decades, Target has collected vast amounts of data on every person who regularly walks into one of its stores. Whenever possible, Target assigns each shopper a unique code — known internally as the Guest ID number — that keeps tabs on everything they buy. “If you use a credit card or a coupon, or fill out a survey, or mail in a refund, or call the customer help line, or open an e-mail we’ve sent you or visit our Web site, we’ll record it and link it to your Guest ID,” Pole said. “We want to know everything we can.”

This could be the case. We tried going through the process of purchasing a smoking cessation product online through Target. Although the company did have us confirm by clicking a button that we were over the age of 18, it would be able to collect any information it wanted of us (address, etc.) based on the shipping and billing information we would input to complete the transaction.

There is also the potential that scanning of the ID is required based on the fact that nicotine is an age-restricted product. Some stores in states where IDs are scannable use them to confirm age instead of typing in the birth date manually. This is not to say that a store would not have the option to type in the birth date manually though.

Rodney says his stand against providing his ID might have been “pig-headed,” but Consumerist pointed out that his concerns might not be too far off:

The Wall Street Journal reported not long ago that health insurers are quietly buying spending data on their customers, the same information that marketers collect, in order to look at spending habits and make predictions of future health care costs for employers.

There has also been concern of grocery store loyalty cards being used to glean similar information as well.

Update: TheBlaze contacted Target to receive clarification on its practice of ID swiping to purchase products containing nicotine. A company spokesperson assured us that an ID is swiped because the product is age restricted. Outside of verifying the age, no other information is collected. She assured us Target does not collect information from such ID swipes for marketing or other purposes.

“Scanning IDs is intended to create a more convenient experience for our guests by making the verification process faster and more accurate, while protecting our guests’ privacy and identity,” the spokesperson said in an email.

Purchasing other products that would require a similar age-verification card swipe include alcohol, regulated cold medicine, some inhalants, some video games and any other age- or medicinally-regulated items.

“When swiping a guest’s ID, Target only retains the data that is relevant to the type of transaction. For example, if a guest purchases alcohol, their date of birth is the only information obtained. As previously mentioned, information obtained during the ID swipe is not used for any other purposes.”

The spokesperson said those who do not want their cards swiped — or those without barcodes on IDs — can have their birth date entered manually. The clerk would need a supervisor to overrule the system to allow the number to be inputted manually though.

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In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

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Comments (240)

LameLiberals
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:41am
Anyone with a Sam’s Club card – is tracked. Sam’s is owned by Wal-Mart and every single thing you buy at Sam’s club is tracked with that card. But at least you know that – going in.

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- 4xeverything
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 3:18pm
  Same goes for any purchase you make with a debit card. Love it when I take my car into the shop for routine maintenance and have massive amounts car dealership ads sent to me within the week. No matter how much we believe we have anonymity we are always being tracked. Conspiracy Theorists heaven. :0)
  
  Report this comment
- jcldwl
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 3:55pm
  We stopped shopping at Target when they started scanning driver’s licenses. Use cash when possible. Yes Sam’s and Costco know what we buy there but everywhere else is cash. No rewards cards, No receipt surveys. Avoid as much tracking as possible by not using those items. My wife went to a store and was refused the sale price because she didn’t have one of their rewards cards. So that appears to be the latest trend in getting people to let them track their purchases. Want the sales price get our rewards card. I just say no thanks I’ll get it elsewhere. Never give your phone number. I had a clerk at Ace Hardware ask for my phone number and I told him he didn’t need it. He said they need it in case I need to return my item. I said I have a receipt for that. Then he said well you might lose your receipt. I said no it’s so you can track my purchases. He just hung his head and said yeah you’re right. Even going as far as trying to deceive to track us. Pathetic.
  
  Report this comment
- hypnos
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 4:13pm
  Its Bullcrap target also scans for alcohol purchases I asked if that was a state law they said no I told them they could look at my lic but could not scan it. They insisted so I purchased my alcohol some where else. No data mining for u
  
  Report this comment
- JRook
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 5:04pm
  “Target has collected vast amounts of data on every person who regularly walks into one of its stores” And so does the 22 plus third party cookies that this site loads when you visit it. Perhaps management could explain to the nice folks here why they would be accepting money for a action they find so objectionable in this story?
  
  Report this comment
- JRook
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 5:06pm
  @jcldwl If your so concerned about being tracked then take at look at the 22+ third party tracking cookies that are loaded by this site. And take note that the site is paid by the companies for the ability to gather information about you. So share your disapproval equally for the same offense.
  
  Report this comment
- ChiefGeorge
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 6:04pm
  @JROOK,
  
  With all due respect, you’ve been coming here to the Blaze for some time now. If its worth criticizing the Blaze over, then why are you here? Nevermind! Your looking for the truth right?
  
  Report this comment
- Obama_In_PeePee_By_Zee_Arteeeest_Beck
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 6:14pm
  (continued)
  
  PART 1
  * Hòmo-Corporations 2012 List *
  THESE ARE REALLY NASTY – THE SPONSORS ! !
  
  American Airlines
  Citi
  Microsoft
  Nationwide Insurance
  Bank Of America
  Ernst & Young
  Lexus
  Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams
  Prudential
  Deloitte
  BP
  DV [?]
  Caesars Entertainment
  Chevron
  Google
  MGM Resorts
  checkmark [?]
  Chase
  Cox
  Cunard
  Dell
  Goldman Sachs
  IBM
  Met Life
  Morgan Stanley
  Orbitz
  Paul Hastings
  PWC [?]
  Macys Inc
  Replacements Ltd
  Shell
  crown woman [?]
  TD Bank
  Tylenol PM
  
  (continued)
- Obama_In_PeePee_By_Zee_Arteeeest_Beck
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 6:16pm
  (continued)
  
  PART 2
  * Hòmo-Corporations 2012 List *
  
  THESE ARE THE NASTY – THE SUPPORTING RETAILERS ! !
  
  Barnes & Noble
  Best Buy
  Dynex
  Future Shop
  Geek Squad
  Insignia
  Magnolia Home Theater
  Rocketfish
  Delhaize America
  Bloom
  Bottom Dollar Food
  Food Lion
  Hannaford
  Harveys
  Healthy Accents
  Home 360
  My Essentials
  Nature’s Place
  Reids
  Sweetbay
  Taste of Inspirations
  eBay
  Half.com
  Rent.com
  Shopping.com
  StubHub
  Limited Brands
  Bath & Body Works
  C.O. Bigelow
  Henri Bendel
  La Senza
  Victoria’s Secret
  White Barn Candle Company
  Office Depot
  Sears
  Kmart
  Staples
  Corporate Express
  SUPERVALU
  Acme Markets
  Albertsons
  Cub Foods
  Farm Fresh
  Hornbacher’s
  Jewel-Osco
  Lucky
  Osco Pharmacy
  Sav-on
  Save-A-Lot
  Shaws
  Shop ‘n Save
  Shoppers Food
  Star Market
  TJX
  HomeGoods
  Amazon.com
  Diapers.com
  Soap.com
  Wag.com
  Woot
  Yoyo.com
  Zappos.com
  Costco
  Hallmark Cards
  Walgreens
  Beauty.com
  drugstore.com
  Duane Reade
  VisionDirect.com
  Kroger
  Baker’s
  City Market
  Dillon Food Stores
  Food 4 Less
  Foods Co.
  Fred Meyer
  Fry’s
  Gerbes
  Jay C
  King Soopers
  Kwik Shop
  Loaf ‘N Jug
  Owen’s
  Pay Less
  Quality Food Centers
  Quik Stop
  Ralphs
  Scott’s
  Smith’s
  Tom Thumb
  Turkey Hill Minit Markets
  OfficeMax
  Safeway
  Target
  Home Depot
  Home & Garden
  DuPont
  Corian
  Kevlar
  Nomex
  Real Touch
  SentryGlas
  Sorona
  Teflon
  Tyvek
  Zodiaq
  Herman Miller
  Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
  Owens Corning
  AttiCat
  Berkshire
  Duration
  EcoTouch
  FOAM
- wmoran5780
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 6:19pm
  this is being done because of obamacare for smokers will be punished by paying between 6000 and 10000 dollars a year extra if they are a smoker so if you give them youre id when u buy it you will not be able to say i havent smoked for years and will be fined so just BEWARE
  
  Report this comment
- Obama_In_PeePee_By_Zee_Arteeeest_Beck
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 6:20pm
  (continued)
  
  PART 3
  * Hòmo-Corporations 2012 List *
  
  THESE ARE THE NASTY – THE SUPPORTING RETAILERS ! !
  
  QuietR
  QuietZone
  RapidFlow
  Supreme
  VentSure
  WeatherGuard
  Woodcrest
  Woodmoor
  Replacements, Ltd.
  Sears
  Country Living
  Craftsman
  DieHard
  Kenmore
  Weatherbeater
  Whirlpool
  Amana
  Estate
  Gladiator
  Jenn-Air
  KitchenAid
  Magic Chef
  Maytag
  Roper
  Macy’s Inc.
  Hotel Collection
  Tools of the Trade
  Newell Rubbermaid
  Amerock
  Calphalon
  Irwin
  Kirsch
  Lenox
  Levolor
  Pelouze
  Vise-Grip
  Target
  Room Essentials
  Smith & Hawken
  Classified Ventures
  Apartments.com
  HomeFinder.com
  HomeGain.com
  Home Depot
  Behr
  Glacier BayHampton Bay
  Husky
  TrafficMaster
  Vigoro
  Monsanto
  Roundup
  
  WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE?
  http://www.hrc.org/corporate-equality-index/
- Obama_In_PeePee_By_Zee_Arteeeest_Beck
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 6:22pm
  “Why Is Retail Giant Target Trying to Scan Your Driver’s License for This Seemingly Simple Purchase?”
  
  And you shouldn’t shop in TARGET in the first place?
  
  There is an organization called “Human Rights Campaign” and their existence is for the sole purpose of pressuring business to support homosexuals in the workplace & beyond:
  http://www.hrc.org/
  
  They publish a brochure of the companies they have infiltrated and give them ratings on the degree of “hòmo-friendliness”:
  http://www.hrc.org/corporate-equality-index/
  
  TARGET is list among the top hòmo-friendly corporations in America with a rating of 85%. When you spend your money at TARGET, they are using it to support and advance the hòmo agenda of sex perverts to propaganda and ensnare your children as fresh meat into their “life-style”.
  
  Download this 2013 brochure! Don’t just BOYCOTT these BAD BUSINESSES. Write to them, call them, and tell them why they have lost your business and your sales (for big ticket items). Be calm, be reasonable, be firm. Vote early, vote often, with your pocketbook — it’s your children’s future you are buying back!
  
  Also listed are businesses who don’t care (be vocal & help them along) and those that don’t do hòmo-business (the best & encourage them).
  
  Just how bad is this disease of hòmo infiltration into America’s businesses? VERY BAD:
  
  * Hòmo-Corporations 2012 List *
  (continued)
- Obama_In_PeePee_By_Zee_Arteeeest_Beck
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 6:25pm
  (blame the order of these posts on TheBlaze censorship — guess you can tell who’s side they are on)
- bpusa
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 8:02pm
  I’ve ALWAYS shied away from Target in general. Just something creepy about that place. They can now officially RETIRE my “GUEST ID”.
  
  Report this comment
- Proverbs17-12NLT
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 8:27pm
  Oh the prying democrat cons will eventually screw all democrats also, do you useful idiots get it yet?
  
  Report this comment
- Secret Squirrel
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 8:28pm
  Tracking is one thing. Scanning your DL is totally different.
  This is how identity theft happens. The person scanning your
  DL has no idea where it’s stored or who has access.
  
  Report this comment
- RepubliCorp
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 8:35pm
  This site tried to put 47 tracking cookies on my computer…… What does that tell you?
  
  Report this comment
- muffythetuffy
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:10pm
  THERE ARE COMPANIES THAT WILL PAY TARGET AND OTHERS A LOT OF MONEY FOR THIS INFORMATION. IT HELPS THE BOTTOM LINE.
  
  I never hand over SS# or Driver ID to anyone in a store. When I tell them to use their own number they back off. If you do not need an ID to vote why show an ID to make a purchase. You have to become militant in today’s America.
  
  Report this comment
- JustJP
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:38pm
  I always give grocery stores etc. a fake name, and address when I sign up for their rewards card.
  
  Report this comment
- keann
  Posted on March 20, 2013 at 7:49am
  Easy solution for sale priced items with a loyalty card – submit incorrect information, name, address, etc. It is not illegal and you will get your sale price with no tracking.
  
  Report this comment
- stablepar
  Posted on March 20, 2013 at 12:01pm
  kash is king…..semper fi
  
  Report this comment
RestoreOurAmerica
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:35am
Our local Target forbade the Salvation Army Santa from standing outside collecting donations during Christmas season one year ~ and I made a decision I’d never support them again after that. I’ve heard they’ve since changed their ‘policy’ ~ but I’m still not going back, as there was never a clear explanation for their decision in the first place.

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- GeorgieJo
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:44am
  TARGET is originally from MINNESOTA
  AL FrankenSTEIN is senator from there hence I cannot shop @ Targut
  
  Report this comment
- kenboo1
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 12:41pm
  Its a real invasion of privacy. Why??? Because our legislators Don’t think we are old enough to make our own decisions. This is the result when legislators feel they know more than you… they look down at you and no one is holding them accountable… representatives have to run every 2 years. Senators run every 6 years and rely on the voters not remembering… Representing the State government is their responsibility. Its time to repeal the 17th Amendment, go to http://www.repeal17.net
  
  Report this comment
- mecanic
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 12:42pm
  target is a libraturd supporting organization, thought everyone knew that.
  
  Report this comment
- Grannie4news
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 2:06pm
  Although I am a Christian, a die hard Conservative, I just had to say something about the Salvation Army being discriminated against outside of the store. I am a retired Postal Window Clerk and remember complaining about that bell ringing. It doesn’t irritate the customers so much as the people working within a close enough distance to hear it never let up ringing all day long and the clerk being totally responsible for any mistakes he or she might make. There needs to be a limit to that bell they ring. If you don’t think that is torturous, have one of the family ring a bell while you are trying to concentrate on counting money for eight hours straight and see if you would not want to scream at them to shut the bell up. Just saying they are not considerate of the people who are withing earshot for hours at a time, with no way of leaving because of their job. May not have anything at all to do with being anti religious and yes I have put money in their pot. Just sayin….
  
  Report this comment
- Pizzor2000
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 2:37pm
  Grannie, I can understand your reasoning in a small store, like a post office, but at a bigger store like Target, the cash registers are far enough from the door and it’s loud enough inside the store that the clerks wouldn’t even be able to hear a bell ringing outside. If Target tried using that as an excuse, I don’t think I would buy it!
  
  For whatever reason Target made the decision, I still don’t think it’s right that they would stop having the Salvation Army at their stores.
  
  Report this comment
- kat747
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 3:23pm
  I don’t shop there either because of that business with the Salvation Army.
  Don’t buy Tyson chicken because of Hillary Clinton, either.
  
  Report this comment
- ALL4FREEDOM
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 3:26pm
  georgiejo – Target is now French owned. ‘Nuff said.
  
  Report this comment
- Gorp
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 3:59pm
  @Georgiejo: It’s not only Frankenstein(whom we all love so freakin dearly). Our governor Dayton is a Target child. The Daytons own Dayton Corp. which the parent company of Target. I believe Dayton Department store is now gone but Target still feeds the Dayton family. And our governor is a Bloomberg wannabe. He’s a democrat along with our democrat controlled state house and senate. I’m seriously thinking of moving out of state to escape all the new taxes and regulations they are all trying to shove down our throats. He wants to increase our taxes by 1.8 B to cover a 647 Mil deficit. So he wants to raise our taxes double what they are behind. Not to mention all the other taxes on just about everything else. Dictators are Dictators no matter what state or country they are from.
  
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- Wolf
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 4:08pm
  “…“Scanning IDs is intended to create a more convenient experience for our guests by making the verification process faster and more accurate, while protecting our guests’ privacy and identity…”
  
  Anyone who believes that isn’t capable of walking.
  
  One of the grocery chains here requested my DL at checkout- ‘new company policy’ was the reason given. I no longer shop there. This government already knows more about me than I care for and am not going to make their lives easier by willingly bending over so they can stick it to me easier.
  
  Report this comment
- jimmybean437
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 4:12pm
  Target Corp is a publicly held, US based firm which has been headquartered in Minneapolis, MN since it began as the Dayton Dry Goods Company in 1902. Target is not now, nor has it ever been, foreign-owned. (A French-based financial institution, AXA, holds about 42 million shares of Target stock, but that holding constitutes less than 2% of Target’s outstanding shares.
  
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- ahberns
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 4:18pm
  First Target at least used to be owned by the French. I lost it with Target when they kicked the Marines and the Young Marines off the property when they were collecting fro toys for tots at Christmas.
  
  I avoid them as much as I can. Oh and there is no way I would let them Swipe my ID. Thank you very much!!
  
  Report this comment
- bitterclinger
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 4:20pm
  Right. No Santa, but bending over backwards for Islam. In MN, Target bowed to pressure to allow Muslim cashiers (who also wear hijabs) to decline running orders with pork products! Christian traditions (Salvation Army) bad; ******* good. Sayonara, Tarjay.
  
  Report this comment
hunter1riley
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:32am
Use your passport. That will really screw up these systems as its a legal and valid ID yet is probably not (yet) usable in these corporate data mining programs.

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- thorkyl
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:42am
  Really mess with their heads
  Use your CCW / CHL as your ID
  
  Also de-magnetize your drivers license
  
  Report this comment
- chaous2000
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 12:24pm
  You cant use a CCW/CHL as proper ID. Do your research please before you post your comments on here. A USPP is good, a state DL, state ID. All have to be issued from the US government and must have DOB a picture, expiration, a ID/USPP/DL number on them and must be free of defects.
  
  Experience: I work in retail
  
  Report this comment
- JediKnight
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 12:53pm
  I like this idea. Use your passport for everything and watch everyone do a double take :-)
  
  Report this comment
- Locked
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 2:02pm
  The problem of course is that even if you use your password, unless you pay in cash they still know who you are from your credit card.
  
  Report this comment
- RightUnite
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 2:11pm
  @CHAOUS2000… Not true…. I used mine along with my drivers license to sign up for a P.O. box. It can too be used for identification purposes…. For crying out loud they do a background check on people, they d*mn well should be allowed!
  
  Experience: If the USPS finds it acceptable, others can and do.
  
  Report this comment
- yougottabekidding
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 3:04pm
  chaous2000
  
  Strange my CCW has all of that and no one has ever turned it down. I’ll skip the snide comment!
  
  Report this comment
- Robert
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 3:43pm
  CHAOUS2000 – since when is a Drivers License or State ID Card issued to you by the U.S. Government… You seem to be a bit confused about who issues ID cards… You also might want to brush up on what are considered “Legal Forms Of Identification” as well… we the three you mentioned are in fact NOT the only acceptable forms in most retail establishments. Not trying to be snide, but you did need to be corrected on your statement.
  
  Report this comment
- stumpy68
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 4:11pm
  @chaous2000
  What is accepted varies store to store
  in Maine drivers license always Maine id also
  other tan that most take Military id
  or out of state drivers license if verified by a supervisor
  but not all
  they are strictest with alcohol and tobacco sales
  the fined are in the thousands of dollars for the cashier.
  
  Report this comment
- wmoran5780
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 6:21pm
  Just so you know i just received a new passport and they have RFID chip on them so they can also be read now
  
  Report this comment
- eric6161
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:56pm
  I give my CHL as ID most of the time… and it is always accepted. No one who has ever taken my DL that I demagnetized has ever turned me away…. but then again I live in the Republic of Texas.
  
  Report this comment
AmericanStrega
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:27am
The nearest Target store for us is 80 miles away in Lincoln, Nebraska. It’s a little to far to drive. Wall-Mart is only 26 miles away. Guess I’ll keep shopping at Wal-Mart (and Crome’s Market for produce and really good pork and beef!).

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- Warphead
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 12:22pm
  It would be a great day if the leaders of Walmart would realize the shift that is occurring and start becoming more American oriented in their business practices. I do not believe Walmart started nor was intended to become the huge importer from China as it has become since the owner and founder passed away. I think by “going back to their roots” so to speak and promoting it would help their business in the long run. The decision to no longer offer ammunition or guns will also cost them dearly if not already. I quit going to Target so long ago that when the name was mentioned in this story it took me a minute to figure out who they were talking about. I am about to do the same with Walmart if they don’t come around very, very soon. As for the stores that have the discount cards like the “Kroger Extortion Card” (that’s what I call it) I don’t do business with them either. They say they do it for inventory control but that is crap and everyone knows it. It’s used to track the spending habits of peoples in designated areas and thus sold to advertisers so that they can target those specific areas. Sounds harmless until you think that if they sell the info to marketers then why not health insurance companies. They say they won’t but you know they always do. The temptation is too great for their greedy corporate leaders to pass up. Oh, a few words for Lowe’s & Ace Hardware. My father used you for years. I tried you again and found a bunch of prepackaged Chinese junk. See
  
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- ICanComment
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 1:14pm
  @Warphead
  
  My local Walmart is still selling ammo and appears to still be getting new orders in. Granted, they’re almost always sold out of everything but 30-06, but the other day I found some Russian Tul-Ammo in the caliber I was looking for. It’s has steel cases, but hey, I’ll take what I can get.
  
  After some brief searching around, there’s little doubt in my mind that the allegation that Walmart is no longer selling ammo is a flat out myth.
  
  I’m sure you already know that it’s an industry wide shortage; it’s not just Wally World, and any shop owner or employee will tell you that everything is back ordered.
  
  Report this comment
lunchmeat
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:26am
I tried to buy some drain cleaner at our local Ace Hardware (Western WA) recently and they wanted to photocopy my drivers license. I told them to keep it and the other stuff in my basket as well – some idiotic store policy stemming from a state law in Illinois.

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- Ghandi was a Republican
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:36am
  Meth lab materials. look out for niCad batteries and anything else that might be used. “juniors’ chemistry set, baking soda. Central Planners (Big Brother) are watching you.
  
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- LEFT_NY_4_GOOD
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:55am
  Illinois . Isn’t that where they have some of the strictest gun laws supported by the highest handgun murder rate in the world. Big brother be watchin yo. .
  
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toomuchgovt
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:22am
Last time I was in Target they carded my for lighters. They also card for first aide kits, any alcohol rub, cold medication, allergy medication, propane, camping lighter fluids, ect…they have a list you can pick up at the customer service desk.

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- LetThereBeLight
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:42am
  I guess they are submitting to gov, who might be “preppers”!
  
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- CatB
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 12:03pm
  Won’t be picking up the list .. or going to Target .. ever again. Taking myself off their ad email list as well.
  
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loveliberty83
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:21am
they would not allow vets to sell poppies– i quit buying there also –who said it was American??

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SteelJewel
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:21am
Will not and have not shopped @ Target because of this and many other reasons

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Cavallo
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:16am
Target is a leftist organization hostile towards Christians and veterans. WalMart will does not need to scan your ID, and sometimes if you are old enough don’t even ask for ID. The register on some items asks for age (some energy supplements, glue, Ammo, etc) such as “does customer appear over 40?” then if no “enter birthdate”. WalMart values its customers far more than Target does. Don’t shop at Target, shop at WalMart.

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- jethrObama
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:27am
  Target is generally overpriced anyway.
  
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- Ghandi was a Republican
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:32am
  I can’t stand walmart. When it’s a matter of convenience and I must, I will buy something there. I’m running out of places to shop. People around here are extremely loyal to a family ruin drug store. It’s pretty fascinating. They treat their employees like gold, and they silently support their causes as good citizens of the community. In short- A progressive’s nightmare. Something obama cannot stand and has spent his entire life trying to destroy (fundamental change). Just as he destroyed community banks by centralizing ‘too big to fail’ banks in the interest of central planning.
  
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- DougHuffman
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:42am
  Don’t shop at Target, don’t shop at WalMart. Shop at Mom&Pop stores worldwide.
  
  At Target, you are the target. WalMart is The Great Wall of China Mart.
  
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- WakingSheep
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 1:41pm
  @Ghandi
  
  “Just as he destroyed community banks by centralizing ‘too big to fail’ banks in the interest of central planning.”
  
  Don’t forget who started that bail out central planning mess. Well the bail outs anyway…. central planning has been at the forefront of our two party system for a long time.
  The Federal Reserve Act was passed in 1913 for example.
  
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- vaman
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 1:45pm
  Christians and veterans – Blazers favorite people!
  
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- TheGrtDcptn
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 5:40pm
  satan and deviants – vaman’s favorite people!
  
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- ChiefGeorge
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 6:07pm
  @VAMAN,
  
  I now have my own special communities….yippee. Libs always gotta bash but they are the first ones to speak about compassion and lovve for others, or the perverbial Can’t we all get along garbarge.
  
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- Walkabout
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 6:16pm
  @ vaman
  
  You have such a sparkling personality, I bet you are popular at a gay bar. I don’t care if you are gay or support gays, I bet you wear your welcome out there very fast.
  
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TheGrtDcptn
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:16am
…who shops at target…?! pffttt…

When I run out of places to shop, I’ll save more (worthless) money…!!

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Exidor
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:16am
Probably selling the information to insurance companies.

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- LetThereBeLight
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:43am
  Or the government!
  
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Sargeking
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:15am
There are other methods to quit smoking far better and less expensive than the Nicotine Patch. I know. I quit smoking back in 1983 and laughed at the patch.

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- AmericanStrega
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:41am
  Good for you, but maybe this guys method of quitting smoking is by using the patch. Some things work for some while other things work for others. Glad you quit smoking. Now please try kicking the habit of “high horse” you’re on.
  
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- LEFT_NY_4_GOOD
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:48am
  Exactly. I went cold turkey from a 3 pack a day habit. It was rough for a week and it didn’t cost me a red (Chinese ) cent. Don’t call me cheap , I prefer frugal. That was when a carton of smox in the rotten Apple was $100. Per carton. I saved a —-load of cash plus a few years of my life
  
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ThankBabyJesus
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:11am
it has been a bad policy for years

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ArmedAndReallyPissed
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:05am
My LIST is growing bigger every day. It started with Movies in the Theater, for rent, or to buy on DVD that i will forever refuse to pay to watch that include “Stars” like Jamie Foxx, George Clooney and all the other Communists in them. I’ve since added Stores that i’ll never shop at. Target is now one of them.

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- crusaderx9
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 2:16pm
  Amen!
  
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theonlynana
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:05am
Well hell’s bell I get carded just for buying lighters and any over the counter cold meds and not just at target I asked clerk at Target about the “card” , she said she had no idea why the co. does this.

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Lcpl1984
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:03am
I’ve worked for Target. They don’t trust the “team members”, so they have to scan the info. I have also made these kind of purchases and have never recieved any coupons, solicitations, or any other type of mail from them. Entering the DOB would be alot nicer, though!

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MDECKER
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:01am
Eric Holder should look into this practice, as he is so concerned about verifying the identification of legal voters.

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The-Monk
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:59am
I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that this policy was put in place after Target lost some kind of lawsuit over selling these patches to a minor or someone that gave them to a minor that had an allergic reaction to them.

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DeathToTyrants
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:58am
I work for Target, and we have to check and scan ID for a large number of products, including nicotine patches. I’ve never had a guest complain about this policy, but I see where this guy is coming from, and the awful guest service given by the manager didn’t help matters.

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- Welcome Black Carter
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:19am
  From what I’ve seen, Target really cannot afford to lose customers.
  
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- aircommando
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 1:00pm
  Please don’t call me a GUEST if I am shopping in your store. I am a customer.
  A guest is someone that stays for free!
  
  In your store nothing is free.
  
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- TulsaYeeHaw
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 6:30pm
  Bull. The bathroom is free.
  
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SocialistSlayer
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:57am
I had K Mart try and force me to provide ID to Buy Slim Fast ! Also Home Depot force me to provide ID to purchase Spray Paint – I told the both to shove it up their A$$ !

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- bdandsl
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:20am
  You have had to show id for spray paint for decades. As always, we the law abiding citizens, have to jump through more and more hoops thanks to the criminals!
  
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- Stoic one
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:20am
  I bet you live in Illinois……….
  
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- Winedude
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:34am
  The request for the ID for Slim-Fast makes no sense at all. I kind of understand the issue with the spray paint and kids are mostly using it for graffiti. That being said, my Home Depot keeps the spray paint locked up and you have to ask someone to get it for you. One can only imagine how long it takes to find that person at a Home Depot. I’ve never been carded but I haven’t bought any for a while either…
  
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- jfosdyck
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 3:03pm
  Slim Fast?? That’s just silly!! I was not carded when I bought spray paint a few months ago, but I just bought the cheap stuff at Dollar General. Maybe I was supposed to have been. I don’t understand what difference it makes anyway. They cannot possibly watch all the lists they make or follow up on all the ‘flags’ a computer generates. It’s just more nonsense, intimidation and control (and free lead lists).
  
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- WakingSheep
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 6:43pm
  Somebody might snort that spray paint or shoot it up! We gotta make sure that doesn’t happen no matter what!
  
  The disgusting people inhaling air dusters are the worst! I say off with their heads!
  
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- WakingSheep
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 7:33pm
  Better yet, let’s spend billions of dollars throwing people who kill their own brain cells (peacefully) in prison….
  
  I’m sure they will come out in 3-5 years much better for society.
  
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- dontmindme
  Posted on March 20, 2013 at 12:32am
  With spray paint, kids also like getting high huffing it, causing brain damage, I’m sure numerous other potential health issues, and/or death.
  
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momrules
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:56am
This is government tracking for control. No information is too immaterial for them to use for their benefit and against the American citizen.

Never give a store any of the information they say they just have to have for whatever reason they dream up. Pay cash if possible.

By the by……….my brother had to go to the ER recently. He was questioned by both the treating doctor and by the nurse about guns, the 2nd amendment and whether or not he ever felt the desire to hurt himself or others. Be very careful folks.

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- taxpro4u03
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 12:11pm
  The proper answer is: “There’s no law that requires me to provide that information. I’m sorry — I’m not at liberty to disclose that information.” —- the LAST thing retailers want or need is an educated public who is capable of recognizing how to invoke their rights against an oppressive bunch of corporate cronies – They WANT (and need) your business — make them EARN it. Behave like you’re free, and demand they treat you as such. Let the sheep go with the herd…..
  
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- mtnchild
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 2:41pm
  The form that my Doctor’s Office now has to have you fill out about guns is prefilled with the words “none of your business” they claim that they are not law enforcement therefore they will not comply.
  
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Gonzo
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:52am
“There has also been concern of grocery store loyalty cards being used to glean similar information as well.”
Yes, but they give you the option not to sign up and entice you to do so with discounts. Target wants the info for free.

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catdragonwrangler
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:51am
I have not shopped at Target for about 2 years now because of this store policy. They do this scanning thing on any item which has a legal age limit attached. Remember people the law requires them to verify age, they do not require them to scan and store your information!

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pragmaticpatriot
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:50am
target is a french owned company hostile to Veterans. I quit shopping there years ago

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- jungle J
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:59am
  how do you know?
  
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- Lcpl1984
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:05am
  Do the research, please. Target was started in Minnesota by as a family grocery. Kinda like Walmart.
  
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- ArmedAndReallyPissed
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:07am
  Target is 100% American. Or perhaps now spelled AmeriKan. The rumor of Target being French was started years ago. It is not true. But doing what they are doing now, they might as well be owned by the MoBroHo. I’m done with them.
  
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NOBALONEY
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:50am
The mark of the beast will be under the skin of many. Good times.

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