Visa, Mastercard, Amex Face Calls From GOP Attorneys General to Abandon Gun-Shop Code
Visa, Mastercard and Amex use merchant-category codes, or MCCs, to identify types of merchants by the goods and services they sell. The companies said earlier this month that they would add a new code for firearms retailers, who have long been categorized under broader groups such as specialty retailers or durable-goods sellers. The new code was recently approved by an international entity that sets standards for the payments industry.
Republican attorneys general of 24 states are warning Visa Inc., Mastercard and American Express not to move forward with their plan to add a new code to identify when purchases are made at firearms retailers.
The attorneys general said in a letter that the card companies’ plan could lead to the misuse of consumer data and wouldn’t protect the public.
“Categorizing the constitutionally protected right to purchase firearms unfairly singles out law-abiding merchants and consumers alike,” their letter to the three companies says.
So, how will this code jeopardize Americans' right to purchase arms?
Republican attorneys general of 24 states are warning Visa Inc., Mastercard and American Express not to move forward with their plan to add a new code to identify when purchases are made at firearms retailers.
The attorneys general said in a letter that the card companies’ plan could lead to the misuse of consumer data and wouldn’t protect the public.
“Categorizing the constitutionally protected right to purchase firearms unfairly singles out law-abiding merchants and consumers alike,” their letter to the three companies says.
So, how will this code jeopardize Americans' right to purchase arms?
