DATA MINING
Target, an many other retailers, rely on data mining to help them sell more products. Target has developed algorithms, computer formulas that analyze information, so they can send you coupons and other mailers based on your buying habits. Just where do they get the data? Every time you make a purchase at Target with a credit card, especially the Target card and via their rewards program, the items you purchase are stored in a database with your personal information to be analyzed. If you bought a pregnancy test during one visit then purchased prenatal vitamins a later, this algorithm can make it seem as if Target assumes you are pregnant. Think about everything you have purchased from Target in the last twelve months. Could those items lead Target or others to make assumptions about you and your family? Scared yet? You should be!!!
BIG BROTHER ALIVE AND WELL
Can you think of anyone that would be interested in obtaining this information? Perhaps your health insurance company, your employer or the government? Target has stated the information if for their usage only but since they since they are recording our purchases without our permission I am not sure I would trust them. Target is not the only one doing this. Any store that has a rewards program, a credit card or a discount card is able to do the same thing.
CASH IS KING
Now don’t get me wrong, I am a frequent shopper at Target and will continue to do so. Except now I typically make purchases with cash. When you shop with cash your purchases cannot be linked to your identity unless you present some kind of rewards card. Are the discounts, rewards and rebates worth your privacy? The choice is up to you. I just wish these companies weren’t so sneaky about it. Why don’t they just post a message when you check out using a credit card stating that these purchases are being stored and analyzed? If they did, I am sure many would still continue to shop as usual. We do still have a right to privacy in the U.S.A or did I miss something?
Tell me what you think of Target’s monitoring program? Would you still participate in retail store reward programs? Do you think stores should ask for permission before tracking purchases?  Leave me a comment.
