Best Buy
Return Policy and Identity Theft

I had to return a $39.00 CAT5 switch to Best Buy on 5th Ave in NYC as I bought two but only needed one.

1. Upon getting to the store security put a yellow sticker on the unopened box and instructed me to go to returns.

2. I wait on the return line for 14 minutes

3. I give the clerk A.) my credit card I made the purchase on, B.) my store receipt, C.) My Company ID w/Picture. I ask for a refund to the card.

4. The Store Clerk says I need a Divers Lic or Passport. I do not have it on me. I call my wife who comes down from her office upstairs in the same building.

5. The clerk says he has to take down the information on my driver lic.

I told him that he has my SAME credit card, my receipt, my company ID and now my NYS Divers Lic what's stopping someone from stealing my info? He says it's store policy, "If I can't write down your information, I can't give you a refund to your credit card. "I refused and they said there was nothing they could do.

I called the Store manager over and he said even with the Receipt, the same credit card, picture ID and NYS drivers lic unless they can put your State or Fed ID info in the Computer you can't get a refund or credit. Best Buy has a lot of nerve.

I don't know if this is LEGAL. I also think that this policy should be TOLD to and POSTED in the OPEN so EVERY shopper who buys anything at Best Buy is aware that once they buy anything at Best Buy they give up any and all privacy rights afforded them under the law. With a Credit Card and Driver Lic including a home address and date of birth this is VERY DANGEROUS.

If this is their policy then the SAME thing should have to take place to BUY something at Best Buy.

How many people would buy ANYTHING at Best Buy if they had to give their date of birth, home address and everything else on their Drivers Lic and their Credi Card information? For my part. They have lost a customer. Also, knowing what they are doing if anyone is harmed by identity theft or identity fraud at Best Buy because of this poilicy, I think the courts should award 3X damages for all loses to consumers.

Company: Best Buy
Country: USA
State: New York
City: New York
Address: 5th Avenue - 44th Street

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