🚀 go-pugleaf

Maria Rost Rublee wrote:
> 
> Found this on a local newsgroup.  No one seemed that concerned.  I find it
> unnecessary and a violation of privacy.  Sorry I couldn't get the original
> post, it had expired  --Maria.
> 
> [ Article crossposted from va.general ]
> [ Author was JAnder7477 ]
> [ Posted on 25 Aug 1997 18:01:38 GMT ]
> 
> >Am I the only person indignant about being fingerprinted by Crestar
> >Bank?
> >
> >I received a refund check from a local businessman written (6 July) on a
> >Crestar account.  I cashed the check at my own bank Central Fidelity
> >last weekend (16 August) and today received notification that the check
> >was returned for non-sufficient funds.  So I took the check to Crestar
> >and lo and behold -- the only way I could cash the check was to present
> >two ID's (ok, not such a big deal) _AND_ agree to give them my thumb
> >print.  Well, I've been living off savings since 29 April (on leave of
> >absence from my Federal job) and I need the $90 just as much as the
> >check-bouncing citizen probably does, so I went through the
> >fingerprinting process.  What humiliation!!!  (Hey, they don't even
> >provide a "handy wipe" to clean off the ink! (Tongue planted firmly in
> >cheek)).
> >
> >I wrote Crestar today at their Web site and here's the reply I received:
> >
> >Thank you for your recent Internet letter with your comments about our
> >new
> >Positive Impression Program (Thumb printing).    Crestar is implementing
> >this program in order to deter check cashing fraud and assist law
> >enforcement in solving crimes once committed.  The American Bankers
> >Association (ABA) has been tracking check fraud closely.  Surveys
> >conducted in 1991 and 1993 show that the number of check fraud cases
> >reported by the banking industry increased from 537,000 in 1991 to 1.3
> >million in 1993.  The dollar losses from these fraud cases increased
> >40%.  The ABA has reviewed a number of loss prevention ideas and is
> >recommending the implementation of thumbprinting.
> >
> >The Positive Impression Program at Crestar is a quick, clean and simple
> >process of obtaining the thumbprint of all non-Crestar deposit account
> >holders (non-depositors) who wish to cash a check or other similar
> >instrument.
> >
> >Thumbprinting does not replace any of the standard forms of
> >identification
> >required for check cashing. Prior to obtaining the usual required
> >identification, the Branch Associate will ask these customers to place
> >their thumbprint on the face of the check.
> >
> >The thumbprint will only be used if the check proves to be fraudulent
> >and
> >will not be stored on a database. This will drastically reduce fraud for
> >Crestar and the program is encouraged and endorsed
> >by the FBI and local law enforcement agencies.
> >
> >This program is not an invasion of your privacy.  Thumbprinting will
> >only be required from non-depositors, and even then, it is voluntary.
> >Customers may decline to submit their thumbprint in which case Crestar
> >will refuse to cash the check.
> >
> >We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.  Unfortunately,
> >because of the increase in fraud, Crestar has been forced to become
> >proactive in fighting this illegal activity.
> >
> >Thank you again,
> >
> >NETbanker
> >
> >
> >(end of their reply)
> >
> >I never once mentioned the privacy issue.  Interesting point though.
> >What guarantee do I have that they are not going to store my thumbprint
> >somewhere...
> >
> >In my reply to them, I wished them a great day and my best wishes that
> >they go bankrupt with this new program.  I also reminded them that the
> >FRAUD here was their account holder, not me, and that perhaps they
> >should fingerprint and prosecute him.
> >
> >Sorry for ranting...but if anyone knows of any anti-Crestar publicity
> >campaigns, organized or otherwise, or class-action lawsuits, please let
> >me know.  I've finally found a cause to support. <sigh>
> >
> >-- Karon
> 
> I am hardly knowledgable about this kind of situation, and do not have the
> credentials to argue the constitution.  But, it seems to me that this
> would be unconstitutional.  Don't we have the right to be presumed
> innocent until proven guilty?  By only working with us if we provide a
> thumbprint, aren't they saying that they believe we are attempting fraud,
> and that they'll only work with us if we agree to being treated as if we
> were.  I would never commit fraud for any reason, but if I want to cash a
> check there, then aren't they basically saying that they think I would?
> And will only allow me to if I agree to be thumbprinted like any other
> convicted criminal.
> 
> I don't know if that's correct, but it seems to me to be.  Is it?  Is it
> unconstitutional?
> 
> --


I wouldn't allow anyone to fingerprint me unless it was a law
enforcement officer placing me under arrest -- or unless I consented to
being fingerprinted. I think they have stepped way over the lines!

	<Cimple 3>