Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Security theater becomes theater of the absurd

On a few recent business trips, I've noticed a new policy at hotels to ask for photo ID as well as a credit card. I can't for the life of me figure out why. I did ask a hotel receptionist and she said it was to ensure that my credit card wasn't being used fraudulently.

And that makes perfect sense, because I know that if I'd stolen somebody's credit card, the first thing I'd do is use it to check into a hotel under the victim's name, triggering the credit card company's fraud alert system, and letting the police know exactly where they could find me for the next few days.

In fact, I think I'd go wait in the bar and order some nachos while I wait for them to show up.

2 comments:

School In The Country said...

When I accidentally left my driver's license at ORD, the Westin Bellevue let me show my Costco card as photo ID. It was the only other thing in my wallet with my picture on it!

The Czar Dictates said...

Because damn, those Costco cards are hard to fake!

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