🚀 go-pugleaf

cimple3@ix.netcom.com wrote:
> 
> 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>

Businesses in my community have been using this system since 1984. I can
remember having to pose for a photograph and a thumb print in a chain
supermarket in NJ as far back as 1973.

This system sounds scary but is in fact harmless. Even if they keep your
thumb print on file so what. The only agency that could use the print
would be a law enforcement agency running it through the DMV data base.

The whole purpose of the system is to cut down on stolen/forged checks.

Patrick