State ID required to BUY at a NY pawn shop?

Question

I went into a pawn shop to BUY an item. Why would they ask for State ID when I am a buyer?

I thought the reason for this was to deter the PAWNER from pawning stolen merchandise.

My legal relationship with the pawn shop is different from that of a pawner, it is a buyer seller relationship. You don't have to show ID at Best Buy or Walmart to buy things, so why would you need to cough up ID for a pawn shop?

I don't want some strangers to have a copy of my ID for no valid reason, I am giving them cash so I don't see how I could pose any risk to them. I think this whole thing is asinine.

Answer 1

HI D.

The pawnshop did not isolate you.  If their policy is to ask for ID, then that is what they are going to do.   I agree with you.... it is a pain to pull out ID if you are buying with cash.

The only thing you can do is pass on the item.  Perhaps it will make the pawn shop change their policy if and when they lose enough business.

Thanks for reading.

Answer 2

The ID freaks are getting more bold.  I would boycott that place, and tell my friends and family about the foolishness at that shop.