Reply #5: Very little "ID theft" is the result of this sort of situation [View All]

[Gormy Cuss]

Credit card fraud does happen from shoulder surfing and it is worth calling out a retailer with such a policy, but most ID theft happens because of information available away from retail like insecure web sites, data left on laptops, and insider sale or misuse of data.

I wish that consumer reporters would focus on the real threats rather than harping on consumer vigilance with paper shredders and the like. Ten years ago cautious consumer behavior was the best inoculant against credit card fraud but no more. Now as consumers we have very little direct control. This is why legislative action is necessary to curb so called "ID theft."