Making Good Use of Scanner Technology

Today, in the 21st century, we have ID scanner machines, full page scanners, ballot scanners, and more to allow for the quick and accurate transmission of data, even across vast distances. These ID scanner machines are very useful in a place of commerce, at a police station, at a voting site, or even at a nightclub or a place of work. Today’s ID scanner machines can scan a card to pull up all sorts of vital information, and this makes it more difficult than ever for a dishonest person to use a fake or stolen ID for any reason. ID readers and ID printers alike may be found at a place of work, such as the DMV, and credit card readers are a staple at any store or shopping region. What is there to know about modern ID scanner machines and the like?

Scanning for ID

When and where might a person hand over their ID card so that a professional may scan its contents? Most Americans today own a valid driver’s license, typically a plastic card issued by the state that includes a photo, the person’s name and general appearance, date of birth, and any other information. In some situations, the card can be looked over with the naked eye to confirm the holder’s identity. In other cases, a scanner may be used. For example, bouncers at a nightclub, bar, or similar establishment may check IDs in person to verify the holder, since some places don’t allow patrons under a certain age.

ID scanning can be done either with a handheld ID scanner, or with ID scanner machines placed on a counter or table. For example, a police officer may use a handheld scanner on the driver’s license of someone they just pulled over, and there may be larger ID scanner machines at the police station, too. ID scanners may be found at a place of work as well, such as a factory or a warehouse, and employees are expected to bring them. Once hired, a person may have their photo taken and an ID card will be printed. Upon arriving at the workplace, that employee can present the ID to a human guard to verify their worker status there. Also, these IDs might double as a way to clock in and out, when they are scanned with a machine. The use of such cards can prevent intruders and other unauthorized people from getting into the work premises.

Cards and Finances

Using cards for purchases goes back to the 1970s at the very least, and this has allowed Americans to acquire credit cards and build up credit. Many Americans own debit cards as well, which are linked to the holder’s bank account. Why use cards? For large purchases, it is much more practical than carrying around large amounts of cash, and using credit or debit card scanners can help prevent the wrongful use of someone else’s card. Chips in a credit card or debit card can act as an extra layer of security. And if a person’s card ends up lost or stolen, they can call their credit/debit card company by phone and tell them to freeze that card until it is either recovered or replaced. That is a safe way to prevent identity theft and serious financial losses. Finally, once a card is scanned or swiped for a purchase, data is transmitted instantly between the credit card company, bank, and retailer alike, and the funds are transferred at once. Note that during the sale of tobacco or alcohol, a debit or credit card’s holder may be asked to present a photo ID to verify their age. The same might even be done if a youthful-looking person is buying an R-rated movie DVD or an M-rated video game.

Ballots

Finally, scanner tech has found its way into the polls. The United States enjoys very low rates of voter fraud, partly because voter sites have human staff that ask for photo ID of everyone who arrives there to vote. Those IDs may be scanned and verified before a ballot is given. A voter may then either use a touch screen, or they can clearly fill out a paper form with a pencil or pen and feed it into a ballot reader.