To the editor:
I am alarmed at the almost universal request for my personal information - name, phone number and mailing address - by businesses.
It has become an extra cost of their merchandise.
One local refused to place an order when I said I saw no reason to give them all this information. Another would not provide a service unless I punched in my name and phone number.
I should point out that I always pay cash. I am not picking on 100 Mile House businesses.
In Nanaimo at a big-box store, I was shocked as the cashier asked every customer for their phone number. I said, “No” and I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to buy my stuff.
I finally asked if they wanted my money or not? I got my purchases but they where clearly unsettled by my refusal.
In this day of identity theft, compromised company computers, relentless telephone marketers, charities and scam artists, I am not prepared to put myself at risk.
So I am writing to inform all businesses that from this day forward my name will be Amelia Earhart. My phone number will be 397-1234, Box 0, V0K 1L0.
My answer will always be the same for the purpose of identification. It’s useless information unless the reason for the request is to sell my privacy.
Cindy Whitehead
AKA Amelia Earhart
Eagle Creek
