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From: rick@pavlov.ssctr.bcm.tmc.edu (Richard H. Miller)
Newsgroups: comp.org.eff.talk
Subject: Re: What is private information?
Message-ID: <3566@gazette.bcm.tmc.edu>
Date: 10 Jan 91 23:26:04 GMT
References: <1990Dec25.062336.16836@looking.on.ca> <6750001@hp-vcd.HP.COM>
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In article <6750001@hp-vcd.HP.COM> johne@hp-vcd.HP.COM (John Eaton) writes:
>Now that supermarkets have scanners that give you an itemized list
>the next step is to let you pay with your ATM card. Safeway will be
>able to create mailing lists that precisely target customers. "I want
>a list of families who spend more than $100 a week and who also
>purchase Pepsi products". or "I want a list of customers who purchase
>at least a dozen condoms ever two weeks".

They have already started doing this with another method. A local supermarket
chain in Houston has started a program with Citicorp to provide "cash-back" if
you buy a certain number of items over a month period. This is done by placing
a bar-code strip on the back of your check-cashing card. Then they scan the bar
code whenever you pay for stuff. Each month you get a statement of what you
bought (as far as the program goes) and a coupon to be used the next time you
shop. 

However, this is separate from the ATM/check validation system. You have the
option of paying for your purchases with either your ATM card, a credit card,
check or cash. If you use the first three, you use a small ATM terminal and if
approved, the checker must copy the approval code into the scanner to clear the
POS system. The two systems are not tied together *yet). Participation is
voluntary in both systems.


-- 
Richard H. Miller                 Email: rick@bcm.tmc.edu
Asst. Dir. for Technical Support  Voice: (713)798-3532
Baylor College of Medicine        US Mail: One Baylor Plaza, 302H
                                           Houston, Texas 77030