I am of the opinion that Cabela's is using unauthorized means to collect personal, private identifying information. Their policy is disturbing, questionable, and suspicious. If you read the fine print of their return policy, the "100% gaurantee" is apparently a half-truth.

In order to complete a return or exchange the buyer must "present a valid photo ID that will be recorded and retained in a database to be used only for authorizing returns." "Recorded, " i recently found out at their store in Louisiana, means electronically swiped.

What is Cabela's doing with this information? Who might they be selling it to? By what means is it protected? What legal standing do they have to require this information except for the purchase of a firearm?

The stated purpose, that it is used to "authorize returns" is nonsensical. A receipt and presentation of the return merchandise are all that is necessary in any retail establishment.

Unlike a credit card company, for example, with which the consumer signs an agreement and the company's privacy rules are legally binding and public information, Cabela's is taking this information without authorization, almost through what could be characterized as a mild form of extortion, and without any written agreement on its use or protection.

Other agencies, a bank or the Transportation Security Administration at the airport, these have legal standing to require an i.d., and even still they only look at it, not record it electronically.

Cabela's policy is unjustifiable and shameful. They should change it immediately.