I recently wanted to exchange an item at Cabella's and was told that to do so requires them "swiping" my driver's license. I was appalled. So much for their 100% satisfaction guaranteed, no hassle return policy they brag about.
There was a lame excuse stated that it is needed to track returns. Well duh, can't they track returns by tracking returns... Not drivers' license numbers and personal demographics? I've never encountered such a policy... To be treated like an illegal alien at a boarder crossing is insulting.
The only authorization Cabela's has to collect such information is with the sale of firearms. I believe collection of such information is unjustifiable.
This appears to be flagrant violation of allowed collection and use of private information as contained in a legal document. It's different than asking zip codes or telephone numbers. A DL is an official document of the state. What is Cabela's doing with this sensitive private information? Who are they selling it to? What privacy policy protect it? Furthermore, it's questionable whether they have a right to collect such information without an expressed written agreement such as what you get when applying for a credit card. What is to stop Cabela's from unfettered, unauthorized use of this information? How protected is it within the Cabela's database?
I've written the company, and received lame excuses to what I believe is a flagrant violation of privacy rights.
All shoppers at Cabela's should be aware of it and refuse to cooperate with what otherwise has always been an extremely customer friendly and responsive retailer.
0 comments