You Got 4000 Problems But Gender Isn’t One Of Them

I work in a large shopping mall, running a kiosk that sells gift cards for nearly every shop in the mall as well as reloadable Amex/Visa gift cards. As scammers are common, we have strict limits on these cards, as well as a list of potential repeat scammers who are not authorized to buy more than a certain amount due to their history.

A lady comes in to request $4,000 in Visa gift cards, so naturally, I have to run her ID as is policy with any transaction over $500. Unfortunately, her name comes up on the potential scammers list.

Me: “Unfortunately, due to our policy at the moment, the most I can sell you in gift cards today will be $500.”

Customer: “That’s new. I usually get $4,000 without a problem.”

Me: *Trying not to cue in the fact that she’s on a list* “The company has informed us not to process orders over $500 on these systems at this time. I’m sorry.”

Customer: “I saw the man before me in line just leave with [amount of gift cards around $1,000]. This is because I’m a woman, isn’t it?! This is sexual discrimination! You’ll only sell him more cards because he’s a man!“

With an accusation as wild as this, I feel compelled to tell her the truth.

Me: “Ma’am, I was trying to avoid getting to this point, but the reason I can’t sell you the cards is that you’re on a restricted list in our system for potential fraud based on your previous purchasing history. There’s nothing I can do but sell you the lower amount.”

Customer: *Screaming* “WHAT LIST? A LIST FOR DISCRIMINATING AGAINST WOMEN?!”

Me: “As I mentioned, it has nothing to do with your orientation; it’s a fraud alert list.”

Customer: “Show me the list. Show it to me right now! I don’t believe you. I think you’re making it up because I’m a woman.”

I flip the screen that is well-hidden behind the lip of my desk with a privacy filter outward so she can see that I’m serious.

Customer: *Screaming again* “This is outrageous! How dare you display my name publicly where anyone can see?”

I want to say, “How DARE you use our gift cards for money laundering?” But instead, I say:

Me: “I promise nobody else sees this list. It stays minimized on our privacy screens which are tucked behind the desk, away from the shoppers.”

Customer: “This is ludicrous! I still insist this is sexual discrimination! I’m going to contact the management and you won’t have a job by next week!”

Me: “Sure, feel free. I’m following company orders, so I have nothing to worry about.”

She stormed out. Management never heard a word from her. The following week, she came back, and instead of asking for $4,000, she asked for $500 as per her limit.