I went to the orange BBS for some stuff and asked for a veterans discount as I have for years. They told me I have to register at the service desk. In the past, I showed them my driver's license that has the word "Veteran" on it from previous verification with the DMV. The company has employed SheerID, a 3rd party verification service. You go online and enter your name, address, email, telephone number, birth date, and number of toes on your left foot. They call up your DD 214 which contains your SSN, and in 2-3 days, you're in. I refused enrollment. I have enough exposure to personal info from recent massive data breaches such as Equifax, OPM, and other retail stores. It is extremely difficult to remedy identity theft once it falls on you. The clerk was totally sympathetic, HD customer_care not at all.

hat

 

 

 

 

They may want to see how much in veteran discounts they process.  Or they are experiencing fraud and are looking for a way to put a damper on it which would be my guess.  It is a shame but there are a lot behind the scenes costs we pay due to the dishonest people of the world.  It is almost like a law was passed legalizing it.  

Hello HandyDan. I agree with your perspective. Computerized accounting connections at the cash registers will show the volume of veteran discounts. The State DMV verified my veteran status with my DD 214 precisely for military discount verification. And the DMV has been hacked!! I don't like external connections to my personal info.

hat

I'm right there with you Jeff, I'm not saying you're wrong.  There is no where to hide so we have to limit our exposure.  So far nothing of mine has ever been hacked but you never know.  I do the same as you and keep my info as private as I can.  

 Here in the Denver area, there is NO hesitation, if you just ask for the discount, you get it. NO ID required. The stores that surprised me were Rockler and Woodcraft. They don't have a military discount, but if you ask, they will give you the Guild discount. It is also surprising, in those 2 stores, how many Vietnam vets work there.

Just saw this from the VA-

https://blog.theveteranssite.greatergood.com/veteran-id-cards/?utm_source=vet-vetfan&utm_medium=social-fb&utm_content=link&utm_campaign=veteran-id-cards&utm_term=4131552

12 hours ago, lew said:

Just saw this from the VA-

https://blog.theveteranssite.greatergood.com/veteran-id-cards/?utm_source=vet-vetfan&utm_medium=social-fb&utm_content=link&utm_campaign=veteran-id-cards&utm_term=4131552

Thanks for the link Lew.

This latest BS started last year at Lowes. Because of complicated issues I don't know my actual date of separation (retirement), because I don't know that date, Lowes third party verifier won't verify me, hence no discount. HD has given me the discount, but the rules of what is allowed keep changing. I take it someone with a military id was buying materials for multiple houses, new construction from the ground up, and expected the discount on everything.

Lowes local stores have their hands tied by corporate, no Id will get you a discount, only the third party verifier.

 

1 hour ago, Wichman3 said:

This latest BS started last year at Lowes. Because of complicated issues I don't know my actual date of separation (retirement), because I don't know that date, Lowes third party verifier won't verify me, hence no discount. HD has given me the discount, but the rules of what is allowed keep changing. I take it someone with a military id was buying materials for multiple houses, new construction from the ground up, and expected the discount on everything.

Lowes local stores have their hands tied by corporate, no Id will get you a discount, only the third party verifier.

 

Hello wichman

You may be right but I still don't see the need to have a 3rd party company like SheerID access my DD 214 to verify I'm a vet when the State DMV has already done that. I can still buy tons of stuff, right?

hat

My local HD has always been problematic in accepting my vet credentials. Depends on the clerk, it seems. Whereas, Lowes has my info in their system and, I sail right trough.

40 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

My local HD has always been problematic in accepting my vet credentials. Depends on the clerk, it seems. Whereas, Lowes has my info in their system and, I sail right trough.

That is my experience also.  They (HD) are happy to give me the discount on Memorial Day or Veteran's Day.  Rest of the year is iffy.  I usually go to Lowe's ahead of HD for this reason.

Just got back from Lowes with some new light bulbs. I asked for a veterans discount and the clerk said "You bet! Phone number, please, and ID." I gave her my number and showed her my drivers license with the word VETERAN on it. She put me in their system and , and I'm in! Wife can use it, also. I said thanks and she said thanks! Happy Days are here again, oh boy, oh, yeah!

hat

Yep, Lowes is good people.

Wichman 3, do you use the VA, I show my card the VA gave me for identification anywhere I go.. Once Lowes puts it in their files I never have to show anything anymore. When I hand them the credit card or slide it in the slot, the clerk ask my phone number and if it matches what they have on record the 10% is automatic.. I first had to go to the service desk so they could register me then all the rest of the times is automatic.

I used to carry a miniature laminated DD Form 214 but, it got washed too many times. The VA ID works though, as Jesse said.