(I am at a local music/movie retailer buying a package of CD jewel cases. The total charge of the sale is less than four dollars, and I am paying with a relatively new debit card.)

Clerk: “Okay, just enter your PIN on the pad.”

(I do so.)

Clerk: “Wait, there is an error here. Let me call the manager really quick.”

(She uses the phone to call the manager and I hear a few “yes” and “no” responses. Then, she says “OK” and hangs up.)

Clerk: “I’m sorry, sir, but I need to destroy the card.”

(To my horror, she cuts up my card and throws it in the trash. Her phone is ringing the whole time. The manager comes running over to the counter.)

Manager: “What is going on?!”

Clerk: “I destroyed this gentleman’s card. It must have been stolen.”

Manager: *angrily* “I asked you, ‘Does he have another card,’ not ‘Destroy the card!’”