Credit Card companies to Track Gun-Related Purchases in California
Credit card giants Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are set to introduce a specialized merchant code in California, aimed at tracking gun-related purchases in compliance with recent state legislation.
This move comes as part of an effort to address concerns over potential gun-related incidents by allowing banks to monitor and report suspicious firearm transactions to law enforcement agencies. The merchant code system, commonly used to categorize transactions based on purchase types, will now include a distinct code specifically for transactions made at gun stores.
In the past, the proposal of implementation this new code was met with resistance from Second Amendment advocates, leading to its postponement. However, the credit card companies have decided to proceed with the implementation in California.
While the merchant code will flag transactions at gun stores, it will not provide specific details about individual items purchased. Several conservative-leaning states have already moved to ban the implementation of such codes within their jurisdictions.
Proponents of gun control see this as a step toward enhancing oversight and preventing potential gun violence. Senator Elizabeth Warren emphasized the need for these codes, believing that they can identify suspicious activity.
“It’s a start that credit card companies have committed to comply with the [merchant code] law in California, but we need implementation across the country if we’re going to do everything we can to prevent gun violence,” said Warren.
“The sooner credit card companies and banks begin using the new [merchant code] for gun retailers and tracking suspicious gun purchases, the more mass shootings we will have a shot at preventing before they occur,” she continued.
Critics have pointed out the obvious concerns that such measures could infringe on the rights of law-abiding citizens and pave the way for more intrusive policies, such as red flag laws or firearm registries. Monitoring lawful gun purchases will do little to reduce gun violence and will be more surveillance of citizens simply exercising their Second Amendment rights.
