I don't understand...

I went today to return an item at Loft that I had paid with cash. The salesperson required my driver's license info and a phone number. Then I had to provide a signature as well. Why must I be tracked this way? The salesperson didn't know why this policy existed and said that at another store he worked at, they had the same cash return policy.

I was in a hurry and the return date expires tomorrow, so I didn't have time to pursue it further with a manager. The more I think about it, the angrier I get. I feel like my privacy is being violated.

Can anyone in retail explain this to me?

11 years ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from ironkurtin

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

No clue. I am sorry. Do they think you could be money laundering?

well no, not "you" per se, but the store, using you, or something. Would the store have to provide proof to the IRS, if needed, that they got the cash from a legitimate source, perhaps? Totally speculating here.

11 years ago

Echo

Veteran

Many stores have the same policy, and it is a loss prevention issue. The store can verify a credit card number as being valid and not related to employees, but they cannot do the same with cash. LP departments sometimes even contact people who made returns if there is an LP issue at that store; they need to confirm that the return was a valid customer and not a procedure to remove cash from the register.

11 years ago

Laurie

Active Member

I always thought it had to do more with internal shrink. Keeps the employees from passing the merchandise out the back door to a friend for a return of cash. By asking for that information, they hope to be able to spot a trend. It also keeps the cashier honest. The potential is there to pocket a receipt, and claim it as a return for cash. If someone has to give their name and phone number, the clerk runs the risk of someone up the chain actually calling and checking on the refund. It's not so much about the customer, I think, as it is an internal safeguard.

11 years ago

daisy5

Active Member

I had to show my driver's license to make a return in store from an online purchase. They didn't ask for my phone number. Though, it seems that only one store did that. When I made a return at another store, they didn't ask me for my license.

11 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

Huh. I assumed it was a way to avoid theft, but how does a credit card prove a friend relationship to an employee?

AJ, did you have a receipt?

11 years ago

Veteran

OK, calming a bit now...thanks Echo. At Walmart and some other multi-dept stores, I have had to provide a phone number and signature even when the payment was cash, but this is the first time my driver's license info was noted.
This is not my first Loft return, so I wonder if this policy is recent due to problems they are having with losses due to their employees.

I am still irritated by this nonetheless, but it would have been nice if the Loft employee could have explained it to me.

11 years ago

Veteran

IK, yes, I did have my receipt.

11 years ago

Veteran

Daisy5, the Loft I usually shop that doesn't ask for my ID (I always pay with cash) is at an old established mall. This Loft that I went to tonight is in a newer high end outdoor mall. Maybe they have more losses? IDK.

11 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

AJ, I don't know the reason for the policy, but I will say that I have had this happen at a few different chains. So it's not just Loft. It does feel kind of violating, though, to have to prove that you're you just to get your money back.

11 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Good info on the loss prevention reasoning. I think if you look at it as similar to cashing a check--you're receiving cash from the store, and it's wise for them to verify they're giving it to you and not someone who may have acquired your purchased goods and receipt without your knowledge.

11 years ago

marianna

Veteran

Nordstrom requires ID for cash back returns as well. It's definitely for loss prevention purposes, and to track where the cash is going.

11 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

Thanks for asking this, AJ, I didn't know this either!

11 years ago

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