Stationery stores may have various reasons for checking a customer’s driver’s license. One common situation is when a customer is making a large – value purchase or participating in certain store – specific programs that require identity verification. Here’s how the check process generally works:
Initial Visual Inspection
The first step in the license – checking process is a visual inspection. The store employee will look at the driver’s license to ensure it appears to be a valid document. They will check for several key elements. First, they will verify the overall appearance of the license. A real driver’s license has specific design features such as holograms, watermarks, and a certain quality of paper and printing. For example, many modern driver’s licenses have holographic images that are difficult to replicate. The employee will also check the expiration date. A valid driver’s license should not be expired. If it is, it may raise a red flag as it could indicate that the customer is not a reliable source of identification.
Verification of Personal Information
Next, the store employee will compare the personal information on the driver’s license with the customer standing in front of them. This includes the name, address, and date of birth. The name on the license should match the name the customer provides during the transaction. The address can be used to cross – reference other information provided by the customer if needed. The date of birth is important, especially if the store is selling products that have age restrictions, such as certain art supplies that may contain solvents or chemicals. The employee will ensure that the customer is of legal age to purchase such items.
Check for Signs of Tampering
Employees are trained to look for signs of tampering on the driver’s license. This could include any visible alterations to the text, images, or security features. For instance, if the name or photo on the license seems to have been replaced or modified in any way, it is likely a fake or altered document. The edges of the license are also inspected for any signs of peeling or glue residue, which could indicate that something has been added or removed from the license.
Cross – Referencing with Store Records (if applicable)
In some cases, stationery stores may have a customer database or record – keeping system. If a customer has a store account or has made previous transactions, the employee may cross – reference the information on the driver’s license with the store records. This helps to ensure that the customer is who they claim to be and that there are no previous issues associated with their account. For example, if a customer has a history of returned items due to fraud, cross – referencing the license information can help prevent future problems.
Using ID Verification Tools (in some cases)
Some larger stationery stores or those in areas with a higher risk of identity fraud may invest in ID verification tools. These can range from simple ID scanners that can read the magnetic stripe or barcode on the driver’s license to more advanced devices that can analyze the security features of the license in greater detail. ID scanners can quickly provide information such as the customer’s name, address, and other details stored on the license’s magnetic stripe. Advanced devices can detect holograms, watermarks, and other security elements that are not easily visible to the naked eye, providing an extra layer of security in the verification process.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: Blurry or Damaged License
Sometimes, a customer may present a driver’s license that is blurry or damaged. This can make it difficult for the store employee to read the information clearly or verify the security features. The solution is for the employee to ask the customer if they have another form of valid identification. This could include a passport, state – issued ID card, or military ID. If the customer does not have another form of ID, the store may choose to contact the relevant licensing authority to verify the information on the blurry or damaged license, although this can be a time – consuming process.
Problem 2: Customer Refuses to Provide License
There may be situations where a customer refuses to provide their driver’s license. In such cases, the store employee should first explain the reason for the request. If it is for age verification or security purposes related to the transaction, the employee should communicate this clearly to the customer. If the customer still refuses, the store may have to deny the sale, especially if the product being purchased has age restrictions or if the transaction requires identity verification. However, the store should also be prepared to handle such situations in a polite and professional manner to avoid losing the customer’s business.
Problem 3: Suspected Fake License
If an employee suspects that a driver’s license is fake, they should not confront the customer aggressively. Instead, they should discreetly contact a supervisor or the store’s security personnel. The store may also choose to contact the local law enforcement authorities. It is important to handle the situation carefully to avoid false accusations. The employee should document any suspicious features of the license, such as incorrect formatting, missing security elements, or obvious signs of tampering. Law enforcement can then take appropriate action, which may include confiscating the suspected fake license and investigating the matter further.
Problem 4: Inconsistent Information
When the information on the driver’s license does not match other information provided by the customer, such as the name on a credit card or the address they give verbally, it can be a cause for concern. The store employee should ask the customer to clarify the discrepancies. For example, if the name on the license is a maiden name but the customer is using a married name for the credit card, they should be able to provide a reasonable explanation. If the customer cannot provide a satisfactory explanation, the store may choose to decline the transaction or require additional forms of identification to verify the customer’s identity.
Problem 5: Difficulty in Reading Foreign Licenses
In areas with a diverse customer base, stationery stores may encounter customers with foreign driver’s licenses. These licenses may have different formats, languages, and security features. To address this, store employees can be trained on basic features of common foreign driver’s licenses. Additionally, the store can have access to translation tools or resources to help read and understand the information on the license. If necessary, the store may also contact the embassy or consulate of the country issuing the license to verify its authenticity. In some cases, the store may require the customer to provide a translated version of the license along with a valid form of identification that is more familiar to the store, such as a passport.
Fake ID Pricing
unit price: $109
Order Quantity | Price Per Card |
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2-3 | $89 |
4-9 | $69 |
10+ | $66 |