Commercial Property Herald: Are Retailers Prohibited from Collecting Zip Codes From Customers?

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February 17, 2012

Are Retailers Prohibited from Collecting Zip Codes From Customers?

In a recent case out of the Federal Court in Massachusetts, it was decided that pursuant to (Mass. Gen. L. 93-105(a)) which prohibits retailers from collecting personal identification information during a credit card transaction if the credit card issuer does not require such disclosure, that a retailer cannot collect zip code information.

Have you ever tried to use your credit card to purchase gas at an automated gas station, which begs the question, when was the last time that you've purchased gas at a non-automated gas station? Don't they require you to input your zip code for security purposes?

Frankly, I think it is a good idea to require your to enter your zip code, which adds that extra level of security and if the gas company is the only one requiring the zip code, the credit card issuers need to get on board and approve this one.

Feb 17, 2012 6:05:15 AM

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