Privacy rights - What can they ask?

With the arrival of identity theft that abounds in the nation, some consumers are taking more care to keep their information private, but this has proved to be an issue for some retailers and customers alike.

Walking into a hardware, home improvement, major retail chains, it wouldn’t occur to most people that when they reach the check-out counter they will be asked for personal information, even if the purchase is just the right bolt to complete the project awaiting at home.

Many retailers will collect demographic information in order to better categorize their shoppers. Others have and continue to use the information given and sell it to marketing companies. Still others have made a policy of using the information for returns of products or merchandise.

In Abbeville, one retail store requests the name of the purchaser before a payment transaction is started. Many people give it a second thought, but what if you don’t want to disclose this information?

The retailer will continue to process the transaction, but it will be made known that the procedure is specifically for the refund process.

In Louisiana, laws protecting privacy are not as comprehensive as some other states in the union, but measures do exist to protect consumers.

Through the Louisiana Attorney General’s website, consumers can log a complaint, but are encouraged to mediate the situation if possible.

“Our office handles complaints regarding: automobiles, telemarketing, landlord & tenant, credit issues, collection agencies, home improvement and construction, home appliances and furnishings, health clubs, travel, charitable solicitations, sweepstakes, work-at-home programs and multilevel marketing/business opportunities,” Attorney General James D. “Buddy” Caldwell stated.

However, the office does not handle complaints regarding utility companies, cable companies, cellular telephones, insurance claims, elected or public officials, state or municipal agencies, child support claims, employee - employer disputes, or licensed professionals (doctors, dentist, attorneys, etc.).

“If we receive a complaint that we cannot handle, we will refer it to the proper agency.”

The bottom line is that consumers must do what they can to protect their identity and finances. It is not legal for anyone to demand information for a transaction unless related to identification for a check, debit card or credit card purchase.