Businesses that sell age-restricted products check the IDs of customers in an effort to comply with federal, state and local laws. This can be a cumbersome and challenging process, especially for busy establishments. Checking IDs is time consuming and employees often do not know how or where to look for birthdates and other identifying information. This is especially true for areas with many college students or military personnel. ID scanners are now available to help merchants automate and document the ID checking process.

AutomationPortable ID scanners help businesses verify the identification card for age of the person attempting to enter or make purchases. The electronic scanner will quickly and efficiently check and record the date of birth on the ID’s magnetic strip. An electronic readout is activated by swiping the magnetic strip on a driver’s license or identification card. These devices have age verification software that documents the process. This eliminates the problem of employees making mathematical mistakes or not looking at the date of birth. The device locates the information and does the math for the person using it.

Electronic RecordDocumentation of ID checks is increasing in popularity. Businesses previously had no record of which IDs had been checked. This has changed through modern technology. By purchasing these machines for hand-held or fixed use, establishments can keep an electronic record of which IDs have been processed at the door or cash register. Most scanners are battery-operated and decode magnetic strips by a simple swipe of the stripe. If the ID is false, an alarm will sound. When it passes through as age appropriate, the information is simply recorded for future reference, if needed.

EfficiencyFor popular nightclubs, time is a critical element for getting patrons inside. The sooner people are inside, the sooner they start spending money. One side effect of ID checks has often been employees standing at the door fumbling with a card, creating a ridiculously long line of people waiting to enter. Searching for birthdates on driver’s licenses and government issued ID cards is time consuming when left to inexperienced or rushed workers. According to the National Liquor Law Enforcement Association (NLLEA), 65% of violation tickets issued to establishments for serving or selling to minors is due to human error on the merchant’s part. This includes the mistakes of their employees. Using an automated scanner creates a faster method that is much more accurate. This eliminates long lines and frustration for both customers and merchants.

Automated Scanners Increase ID Check Efficiency

A car dealership is a nesting ground for ID thieves because non-public personal data is everywhere. Before you step foot in the dealership, do some research and find you a go do online lender that can assist you with your car loan needs. There are many websites out there that can assist you in things ranging from negotiation tips, helping you determine what your trade may be worth at time of trade in, and even applying for and getting a car loan.

Make sure when doing research that you identify a lender and not just a site that captures your personal information and sends it straight to a dealer. Just because you can complete a credit application on the site doesn’t mean they are an actual lender. Look for the words “lender” or “lending” in their name. This is not a sure sign but something easy to pick up on. Some online sites can provide all of the assistance you need. Some lenders can even help you with finding a “friendly” dealer that has a proven track record of treating their customers fairly. Be sure to ask whatever lender you settle on if they can assist in this area as well. Here are some of the benefits to getting your next auto loan online:

• By applying and getting your car loan online and up front before going to the dealership eliminates the needs to provide any personal information to the dealership (date of birth, social security number, etc). The items do not remain secure in a dealership and are very easy for the experienced ID thief to get what they need and fast.
• Apply and getting a car loan online gives you tremendous negotiation power with the dealer. When you walk in with your financing in hand, the dealer treats you like a cash buyer. Cash buyers always have the upper hand when negotiating large ticket items.
• When you choose to go online and get your next car loan, you don’t have to spend unwanted time at the dealership. Buying a car the traditional way is an all day affair in some cases. When you take care of the financing upfront, you cut your dealership time down drastically.

To help protect yourself against identity theft, here are some tips you may want to implement if you are not already doing so. Safeguard your financial items: Shred all your bank statements, credit card statements and mortgage statements; anything with your name, address and/or account number. No matter how good your spy ware or anti-virus software is, there are very smart computer hackers that can record your keystrokes and figure out what you inputted for your account number and password, so be sure to change them often.

You also want to make sure when conducting financial transactions online to check to ensure the website is safe and that the site is using the latest encryption technology like OpenRoad Lending. There you can apply for a car loan and feel confident that the information you provide will be safe.

ID Theft at Dealerships