New Technology Helps to Curb Identity Theft
November 4, 2009, 10:15 pm
Identity theft affects some nine million Americans every year. It's a problem that delves into the restaurant world, too. CLICK FOR VIDEO
"Right now, when you use a credit card at any place, once the card leaves your sight, you have no idea what's going on with that card. You have no idea if someone is writing the credit card number down," David Lindey of GGL Processing says.
Lindey is part of a local team that is bringing a wireless credit card machine to two dozens local eateries. The gadget is effectively putting power back into the hands of card holders, by allowing them to swipe their card, enter a pin, and sign their name -- right at their table.
"By offering pay-at-the-table service, you're able to see your credit card; it never leaves your sight -- it stays within your reach and your possession all the time," Lindey says.
Joe Roots Grill is one such restaurant to use the technology.
"Oftentimes, people will actually try and follow us with their card to our location. We decided that to keep people at a comfort level, we'd bring the equipment to them," General Manager Joe Whitty says.
Other restaurants take the machine along to deliveries, like at Lucky Man's Pizzeria, so customer do not have to give out their credit card information over the phone.
"It just gives more confidence in the customer that they're going to get their food and their money. Their money is safe and their food is great," Lucky Man's Pizzeria Owner Bryon Respecki says.
Lisa Weismann
