I know identify theft is a serious matter, but really...
I'm heading out of the driveway and I see the newpaper delivery guy just pulling up.
He's running a little late, but I figure I can still get the paper in time for morning reading on the Metro.
I walk over to him and ask if I can get the Journal that he's deliverying to me.
He says, "No, I only deliver the Wall Street Journal and the Post."
I say, "Yeah, the Wall Street Journal, can I get it, since you're running a little late this morning."
He says. "I'm never late!"--actually, he is and sometimes doesn't deliver at all (the other week, I got 3 papers in one day).
I say, "OK, but I can take it from here."
He says, "No, I only deliver to the door."
I say, "But I'm right here."
He says, "How do I know you are who you say you are?"
I say, "I am, and thank G-d, I really don't need to steal a $2 newspaper from you, Sir."
He says, "Okay, but I'll need to see an id!"
I say, "Are you serious?"
He says, "Yeah," pulling back to safety the pile of newspapers he is holding is his arms.
Reluctantly, I flip open my wallet and flash my license to him.
Not good enough...he insists I take it out so he can read it.
I finally got the paper, but we wasted what seemed like 5 minutes between the negotiation and proof of identity exercise.
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate his diligence, but I think this type of scrutiny over access and identity would be better placed squarely on our cyber assets--somewhere where we really need them! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)