Wells Fargo Bank fingerprint program
Joe Wagner
Hello,
Today I went to my local Wells Fargo Bank to cash a check that a
friend had wrote to me. I showed them an ID and signed the back
of the check. They then asked me if I had an account with Well Fargo.
When I said I didn't, they said that in order to cash the check I needed
to put my index finger on an ink pad and leave print on the check.
I (literally) said "no way" and offered a second form of ID, but they
said no, they need two forms of ID--one of which _must_ be the
finger print. The teller said that this policy just begun this month.
To clarify: I had a friend's local Wells Fargo check, made out to me for
a nominal amount ($80), and I had multiple photo ID's (driver's license,
student ID; heck I even have a US passport) and multiple current
credit cards to back up my identity, but no go. I had to leave a crisp
ink image of my finger print on a check. The check itself of course
passes through the hands of everyone and their brother during the
course of its processing. I said no and will cash the check via my
local credit union.
Now here is a question. I want to challenge this requirement, but
my understanding is that finger prints are ruled to be in the public
domain, with no expectation of privacy--that's how police can take
your prints without having to get a search warrant. That being said,
is there any legal basis that I can challenge this requirement? At
the very least can people help clarify for my mind why my gut says
this is wrong?
I can (do) believe that eventually there will be some sort of biometric
measure that people will use for financial/security verifications, so is
this just the next wave of a more secure Identification scheme or is it
something lamer like those signature scan plates that Sears and Kinko's
now try to use?
Thanks,
Joe
P.S. Here is the text of the flier for the program (sorry in advance for
typo's):
--
MAKING A GOOD IMPRESSION...
INTRODUCING WELLS FARGO'S TOUCH SECURITY (tm) FINGERPRINT PROGRAM
WE'RE PROTECTING OUR CUSTOMERS' ACCOUNTS FROM CHECK FRAUD
Each year, millions of people are victimized when forged checks or
counterfeit checks are passed using lost or stolen identification.
Unfortunately, check cashing fraud is growing at an alarming rate each
year.
To protect our customers and limit fraud, Wells Fargo is introducing
the Touch Security Fingerprint Program. Since a fingerprint can't be
forged, the Touch Security Fingerprint Program will help prevent the
misuse of checks and protect our customer's accounts.
HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:
Wells Fargo requires picture identification and endorsement when
cashing a Wells Fargo/First Interstate check or a cash item such as a
money order for customers. In addition, we will now require a finger
print from customers who do not have a Wells Fargo/First Interstate
checking, savings, market rate or time deposit account. The fingerprint
is NOT used as a form of identification at the time the check is cashed,
but provides and added measure of protection against fraud. The
fingerprint will only be used in the investigation of counterfeit checks
or other fraud claims.
The fingerprint procedure is simple, safe, clean and fast. The
presenter of the check(s) presses an index finger on the fingerprint pad
and places the impression of the finger on the face of the check in the
space between the memo line and the signature line.
At Wells Fargo, we're committed to protecting our customers' banking
transaction. Fingerprinting is just another step in our continuing
efforts to protect our customers against fraud. We appreciate your
support of our Touch Security Fingerprint Program.
WELLS FARGO BANK
--
(On the back, is the (presumably) same message in Spanish)
--
Joe Wagner
jo...@leland.stanford.edu
(415) 725-0168
Darrell Earnshaw
Joe,
The same thing is happening with DMV. I recently applied to exchange my
VA license for a CA driver's license, and was required to give a thumb
print. There is no requirement for finger printing in Virginia, so I
suspect it's a state law rather than federal. (Plus... in VA you get
your license there and then; in CA I have to wait 90 (yes, 90) days for
it to be processed!)
As for Wells Fargo... well, they have other problems as well. I recently
opened an account with them, and you wouldn't believe the jamboree that
I ad to go through just to DEPOSIT my pay check!!! However, that's
another topic.
-- Darrell
Edward Haertel
Joe Wagner wrote:
>
>
Joe, You have the right idea - take your business elsewhere. Tell your
friends why and to do the same.
P.S. The police can take fingerprints when you are arrested, or with a
subpoena. Not exactly public domain.
If all else fails, move your finger while printing - unreadable.