Anyone heard of this?

[Yellbird]

To make a long story short I was at a casino the other night and ran out of cash so I thought I would stay awhile longer so went to the ATM machine to get some money from my Credit Card. It gave me a slip of paper to take to the cashier. I got to the cashier and showed my card and ID and then signed the check with my initial. Then to my surprise the cashier shoved a little tub to me and asked me for a FINGERPRINT. I said what are you talking about and she said everyone has to do it. I said unless your putting me behind bars just void the dam check and give me a copy, which she did. I am not talking about a lot of money (500). I don't know whats going on but I don't like it one bit. Can you picture going to Sears or something like that and them asking for a Fingerprint.

[Diane]

To make a long story short I was at a casino the other night and ran out of cash so I thought I would stay awhile longer so went to the ATM machine to get some money from my Credit Card. It gave me a slip of paper to take to the cashier. I got to the cashier and showed my card and ID and then signed the check with my initial. Then to my surprise the cashier shoved a little tub to me and asked me for a FINGERPRINT. I said what are you talking about and she said everyone has to do it. I said unless your putting me behind bars just void the dam check and give me a copy, which she did. I am not talking about a lot of money (500). I don't know whats going on but I don't like it one bit. Can you picture going to Sears or something like that and them asking for a Fingerprint.

Settle down.................this is extremely COMMON in B&M Casinos. I have done it for years.

Cash Advances at a casino are handled like this all the time. You take the slip from machine that has "authorized" the cash advance transaction to the Cashier, present your driver's license and the cc used for the advance at the machine. They fill out the forms, get a thumbprint, you endorse the check, acknowldge the fee, and then you get your cash.

At Sears you are buying merchandise, not getting CASH from an industry known for highly creative thiefs.

No big deal....but it can be offputting the first time. But it's really for your protection as the owner of the cc.

Diane

[Yellbird]

Thanks for your reply although the way things are heading they will want a mug shot next. Not me, you are probably correct but if that is the case why don't they ask for a fingerprint at a ATM outside a bank or where ever. I have no doubt the government and who knows who else has that information plus your fingerprint. I doubt it but maybe some day the people will say enough is enough. Maybe if it was 5 years minimum sentence for credit card fraud it would stop a lot of this. I find it interesting that awhile back I got some cash at the same place but used a debit card and the cash just came out of the machine, perhaps because that is my money, no protection for me, but protection for the credit card company what a joke. On top of that the fee is a lot higher.

Settle down.................this is extremely COMMON in B&M Casinos. I have done it for years.

Cash Advances at a casino are handled like this all the time. You take the slip from machine that has "authorized" the cash advance transaction to the Cashier, present your driver's license and the cc used for the advance at the machine. They fill out the forms, get a thumbprint, you endorse the check, acknowldge the fee, and then you get your cash.

At Sears you are buying merchandise, not getting CASH from an industry known for highly creative thiefs.

No big deal....but it can be offputting the first time. But it's really for your protection as the owner of the cc.

Diane

[oldtrvlagt]

I've had to do this at various casinos in various states and even a few banks. I consider it more of a safeguard not only for them but for me. At first it was a little off putting but now it doesn't bother menot to worry!

[Mousey]

Anyone remember Traveler's Checks? They used to be so darn convenient, and the primary way we took our gambo funds with us to B&Ms. (We have a rule, no cashing checks, and no ATM at casinos. :-) Then the cashiers began having to verify each check# with American Express.... waiting... waiting ... at cashier window. Then they not only had to verify with AE, they had to have my thumb print on each traveler's check, plus see my DL so they could put the #, DOB, etc., etc. on each one. Which meant even longer waiting and waiting at the cashier window. *sigh* Needless to say, we don't bother anymore.

The scammers and thieves have made ordinary banking/money transactions a pit of red tape for the rest of us.

[anniemac]

If you go to certain check cashing places, they do take a picture of you when you cash your check. LOL!

The thumbprint thing has been in use for quite a while. I've had to do it at banks, casinos and check cashing places. Big Brother knows who you are anyway so not much need to try to hide.

[Diane]

Thanks for your reply although the way things are heading they will want a mug shot next. Not me, you are probably correct but if that is the case why don't they ask for a fingerprint at a ATM outside a bank or where ever. I have no doubt the government and who knows who else has that information plus your fingerprint. I doubt it but maybe some day the people will say enough is enough. Maybe if it was 5 years minimum sentence for credit card fraud it would stop a lot of this. I find it interesting that awhile back I got some cash at the same place but used a debit card and the cash just came out of the machine, perhaps because that is my money, no protection for me, but protection for the credit card company what a joke. On top of that the fee is a lot higher.

The difference is you are getting cash off the credit card without using a PIN number. Debit cards obviously will get you cash out of an ATM machine but you must have a PIN. Some credit cards have PIN numbers also but with a generally smaller limit.

If you want larger amount of CASH from a credit card without a PIN, the Casino requires the ID and thumbprint for your protection, not theirs.

Yes the fee is HIGH, but again its the convenience you are paying for, that's why the higher fee. Only solution is multiple cards to be used at ATM for the $3-$5 fee per transaction, bring larger amounts of cash, or go home when set amount is lost.

One final option is to set up a line of credit at a casino in advance of your visit by filling out a credit application. They do a financial background check and if you pass, will allow you to take MARKERS out up to your credit limit. This is a nice way to have funds available (free of any charge) if you need them at a casino. The markers are exactly like writing a check to the casino, but there is no charge. Some places also give you 2 weeks up to 45 days to repay the marker, so its like an interest free loan. But dangerous if you have limited self control.

Diane

[Yellbird]

I appreciate everyone's opinion regard this matter. I must admit I am total surprised that the majority felt it was alright to be fingerprinted. I feel my presence, ID's with my picture and of course them having my picture with their cameras and signature should be suffice to prove who I am. The fingerprint doesn't prove who I am at that time, but if it's a matter of prosecution later on, my face on their camera should suffice.

At my age I probably won't experience it but If the people continue to let the governments and companies which are rapidly become one, experiment with programs like this, without the people saying no, then as they say anything that is good can also be use in a bad way. Can you imagine if everyone refusing to give their fingerprint, It would not take them long to stop that requirement. On the other hand, if most people agree to it, it won't be long that it will be necessary at most places. Take that a little further when you apply for a credit card they won't have to send you a card, just go to some office and give them your fingerprint. No matter what you buy all they will need is your fingerprint, who needs a card then. That leads to no need for cash so you can be shut down in a second. Most people have cell phones so they know where you are most of the time. The government now wants all cars to have a GPS in them. Want to buy something on the internet, just press that little gadget that's alongside your mouse so we can have your fingerprint. Of course we are doing it for your safety as well as ours.
Want to stop in for a drink to relax and have a few minutes to ponder some thoughts at someplace you've never been to, after you place your finger in the little pad to pay for your drink the bartender say's welcome Mr. XXXX glad you stopped in. Without cash no matter what you purchase they will know about it and who you are. Me, I like being an individual or at least as much as I can, not part of the collective. If I want the bartender to know my name I will tell him, same goes for the store or anywhere I decide to buy something. I'll stick to cash as much as possible and when I run out I'm done. This probably sounds like fantasy land to most who reads this, that's what I thought when I heard about Televisions.
As they say people get just what they deserve.

No offense meant to anyone just my thoughts.

[Diane]

I appreciate everyone's opinion regard this matter. I must admit I am total surprised that the majority felt it was alright to be fingerprinted. I feel my presence, ID's with my picture and of course them having my picture with their cameras and signature should be suffice to prove who I am. The fingerprint doesn't prove who I am at that time, but if it's a matter of prosecution later on, my face on their camera should suffice.

No offense meant to anyone just my thoughts.

No offense taken. Just wanted to explain #1 - not unusual procedure AND #2 other options for accessing more cash if this Cash Advance procedure bothers you.

Diane

[the Shamus]

Hi Yellbird:

I don't blame you for being skeptical. If you have been to Disney World in the last two years -- you have to give a finger print every time you enter the gate. Why? People were re-selling their cheap, unused days to others. Now, the park ticket can only match the person it was sold to.

/\/\/\/\ the Shamus /\/\/\/\