mental_floss magazine
SUBSCRIBE >
GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS >
DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS >
subscriber services >
Where Knowledge Junkies Get Their Fix
Recycling classic internet comedy bits is dangerous. I know the backlash I risk from people who were entertained the first time around. But I was explaining John Hargrave’s credit card signature prank to a friend I’d consider savvy (to quite savvy) with this whole new-fangled internet. It was new to him so I’m going for it.
Hargrave asked himself, “How wacky do you have to make your [credit card receipt] signature before somebody will notice?”
The results are somewhat disturbing and rather hilarious.
[I first came across this in the early days of YesButNoButYes.]
Comments (13)
Comment
- Follow mental_floss
FUNNY!!!!!!!
posted by Rebecka on 5-2-2007 at 8:40 am
Since then, I usually let my kids sign reciepts, especially the machines. They get a kick out of it. So far, no salesclerk has said a word.
posted by Miss Cellania on 5-2-2007 at 9:16 am
This guy is a genius- I love it!! – hire him!
posted by priscilla on 5-2-2007 at 9:39 am
Kind of funny but watch out if the folks at bitterwaitress.com see this!
posted by Sheldon Siegel on 5-2-2007 at 9:40 am
This is great! I’ve been doing this for years, and I’m glad I’m not the only one. Every time I get a touch pad signature thing, I draw a little cat. I’ve gotten quite good at it, and now do tabbies and leapords.
posted by Jenny in Winston Salem on 5-2-2007 at 9:56 am
I love this.
I would’ve checked the Shamu signature, since he clearly drew a Sperm Whale, and not an Orca. Maybe people on the East Coast don’t know that, though.
posted by Emily Jane on 5-2-2007 at 11:05 am
When I used to work in retail, I admit I rarely checked signatures. But if I got a card that said “Please check ID”, I always asked for the ID. Those people are serious. And every one of them was thrilled that I actually asked for it.
posted by Sara on 5-2-2007 at 3:12 pm
Perfect! I am going to have to this of something great to start signing as.
posted by Aimee on 5-2-2007 at 7:50 pm
John Hargrave, I like your style. I, too, live in Boston and now I want to meet you. You seem “wicked” funny!
posted by Katie on 5-8-2007 at 2:30 pm
I always sign my credit cards with “stolen” after a night at the bar. I figure if its stolen I can call my bank and cancel the tab if its to large.
posted by Nate on 5-8-2008 at 7:45 am
I have to admit, not only is this hilarious, but it only feeds my frustration with the credit card companies. I am one of those people that writes “Check ID” on my card, and rarely does anyone look.
Beyond that, those lovely little signing screens have trouble with heat and moisture in the air. I have often paid for things at local stores in the summer where my signature looks like a series of randomly spaced lines because the system is just too sensitive or something. Bah.
posted by ACute Angle on 5-8-2008 at 12:52 pm
That’s great!
posted by Neal on 5-8-2008 at 1:23 pm
I have to show my husband this…
He’s signed “Commander Cool” on probably hundreds of credit card receipts and has yet to be called on it…
posted by Shannon on 5-9-2008 at 6:23 pm