Credit, Debit and Check Practices by Merchants in Detroit

Several retailers in the Metro Detroit area have adopted questionable practices regarding credit cards, debit cards and checks. Just so you know:

• Consumers often assume that a phone number is required when they use their credit card for purchases. While Michigan does not specifically prohibit the practice, according to Gofso.com, American Express, VISA and MasterCard do prohibit a merchant from requiring it on the sales slip. What are the retailers up to? In most cases, they are collecting phone numbers to sell to telephone solicitors. The moral of the story: just say no. Note: Several months ago a local retailer attempted to collect phone numbers on cash transactions. Customer complaints quickly put an end to the practice.
• While a retailer can ask for identification when accepting a credit-card transaction, according to VISA and MasterCard rules, they cannot make it a requirement to accept the card. This means that if you don't want to give I.D., the retailer cannot refuse the use of the credit card. Note: You do have to sign your card.
• According to MCLA 600.2964 (a Michigan statute), a merchant cannot require that a social-security or credit-card number be written on a check as a requirement of acceptance.
• More recently, a local Dollar Tree started charging a dollar fee when choosing the cash-back option for a debit-card transaction. This practice, unfortunately, has the potential to spread like wildfire, so Detroiters should nip it in the bud. One method is to complain to the store's management. Another method is to check out your bank's debit card rules; the merchant may be prohibited from the practice.