Credit Cards and Driver's Licenses

I found out today that according to the Visa and Mastercard contract, a merchant can't require an ID before accepting a credit card. This means that you are well within your rights to refuse to show your driver's license if asked. Of course this doesn't apply to purchases that require I.D. (drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, etc.). 

So here are some things to keep in mind when trying to protect your credit cards:

1. If you leave it unsigned the card is technically not valid.

2. If you leave it unsigned, the thief can sign it and use it even easier.

3. If you just write "Ask for ID" then the thief can still sign it, and then refuse to show ID.

The best course seems to be to sign your name and hope that it is tough to duplicate. Other than that, make sure that you're not responsible for fraudulent card uses, and keep track of your statements.