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Can I See Your ID?
I am at an independent Seattle internet cafe that just does not have a very good pricing policy.
They have ten computers at desks and they allow their patrons to surf their net connection for twenty minutes and then they charge by the minute for every minute after that. In order to get on a computer you must hand over a piece of ID. Most people hand over their driver's license. I care a bit too much about my privacy to just hand over my drivers license to a coffee shop barista who makes minimum wage. Now I will not hand over my debit card to a waitress with out following them to the credit line. I just know a bit too much about ID theft and fraud to trust people blindly.
I have a $300 per day spending limit on my card just so if it ever gets stolen or lost I will not be that jacked. What gets me is when people will not use their credit card over the web where it is encrypted but they will just hand it to any kid working a register.
I handed them my old student ID that has been expired since I graduated from art school five years ago. It comes in very handy in situations as this.
Ah well I needed the coffee and it is good. They also offer WiFi net access that they do not charge for or have a password log on.
I understand that they do not want people camping in here all day but it rubs me a bit wrong when I have to hand over an important piece of ID.
Jake at July 6, 2003 
Nerd
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Comments
they could have my drivers license...it's almost 2 yrs expired now and still from NJ...hehe
Posted by: Lilly at July 8, 2003 5:13 AM
An expired Drivers License can still be used as an ID and can get you in trouble. In Washington state you can get a ID card at the DMV that looks like a drivers license for ID it does not let you drive
Posted by: Jake at July 8, 2003 8:34 AM
I used to work at a theatre renting out binoculars and headsets for the hearing impared, and we would hold an ID card until they were returned at the end of the show. Some people would hand over credit cards instead. One woman (I guess her husband drove) left her watch with us. Many would quiz us about where they would be kept during the show, if they were locked up, etc.
Posted by: Manda at July 9, 2003 3:29 AM
they have that pretty much in every state Jake...they have it in Jersey and they have it down here in texas...i don't really drive, so have not seen the point in getting new id...even if it is the cheap $6 "you can't drive, but we know who you are" id...that's just me...
Posted by: Lilly at July 9, 2003 6:05 AM
