Attention, Shoppers: You're Being Watched

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Could be a good thing in the right hands

Since I am a mindful shopper who likes to vote with my dollars by making the majority of my purchases organic, sustainable, from cottage industries, etc., I really wish "Big Brother" were watching, paying attention and responding appropriately.

I can dream, can't I?

Cranky_Old_Batt of CA @ Nov 02, 2008 17:35:12 PM

they are in clothes

RFID chips are now inside tops I buy and such. I cut them off at home but in futre I decided just today, so this is a coincidence to read this tonite, I will have the store take them off b4 I leave store. NO RFIDs. We stopped them years back when proctor & gamble and others wanted them on products so they'd know how often you picked tehm up and used them. NO THANKS. YES Big Brother. The gov't should fear the people not the peple fear govt so why don't we do soemthing about anything anymore JMO

watchinghawk of @ Nov 02, 2008 01:55:03 AM

This is similar to..

the 'arresting clause' but this time "everything you do may be used against you"!

adelacuesta of NJ @ Oct 31, 2008 11:14:22 AM

Being Watched

This is very disturbing. People who normally don't look for discounts are being penalized and charged higher prices. This sounds more like socialism than democracy.

I canceled all of my store "discount cards" because I found out a few years ago that stores track your spending and also sell your name and address to marketing companies. I shop at stores that don't require a discount card to receive discounts such as Target, Shoppers, and Walmart.

I also shop using cash and rarely use my debit card or credit card to make purchases. Thanks for keeping the public informed.

Author of How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating for Free

Harrine Freeman of DC @ Oct 30, 2008 11:21:30 AM

When I buy personal items that I'd be embarrassed about, then I don't use my loyalty card. Strange, maybe, but it makes me feel better.

Amy of @ Oct 29, 2008 09:53:42 AM

As long as I feel that being watched is to my advantage, I won't mind. I participate in my grocery store's loyalty program for the discounts. I don't care what information is gathered about my purchases.

jimmy of MD @ Oct 29, 2008 08:14:28 AM

Amudhandel Dinglegravel who?

Where to these creeps come from with all the so-called research they peddle. Don't they have day jobs?

Maybe the upcoming new administration could hire them to spy on Osama Bin Laden & his army? The current administration can only spy on us.

HillbillyBill of TN @ Oct 29, 2008 07:49:38 AM

Creepy!

I can't help but feel it's creepy. Reminds me of the movie Minority Report, when Tom Cruise walked into GAP. And if companies are going to invade my privacy, so to speak, I don't want targeted ads. I want things that are actually useful, like those coupons and discounts on the things I actually buy.

Although I have to say, the companies have a long way to go to make their software actually achieve the results they want, if the coupons I get from CVS and Ralphs are any indication. I use about 1/10 of the coupons I get from CVS and may 1/100 of the coupons I get from Ralphs. (I've actually yet to use a coupon from Ralphs, but chances are good that I'll use one before the 101st.)

Cathy @ Chief Family Officer of CA @ Oct 28, 2008 22:49:46 PM

creeeeeeeepy

It's one thing for a store to know what I purchase bc of the loyalty card and give me coupons that I never use. Another to change the ads when I walk into the store. What's next, beaming commercials into my dreams while I sleep?

Didn't we learn anything from skynet in the terminator movies....

Veronica of NY @ Oct 28, 2008 17:19:59 PM

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Alpha Consumer

Alpha Consumer

Kimberly Palmer, senior editor for U.S. News & World Report, writes about how to save money, avoid scams, manage debt, and be a savvy shopper. Send your personal finance questions to her for expert money advice.


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