I went into the city's dept of utilities to pay my bill this month and finally made it to the glass window to humbly pay for my bill. I handed over the invoice and my check. Since I keep more then one residence I do not have my address printed on my checks, it helps since I travel a bit. The lady behind the counter, which has already seen me in person at least 10 times informs me without proper ID she cannot receive payment. She claims due to identity fraud and no address on my check I need to produce ID. I had flashbacks to the DMV days of dumbness to the tenth power.

I get out of line and go to my vehicle and return moments later and she handles the transaction. Now here's my thought, I understand in these fraudent times it's better to be safe than sorry but in my life of 40 years I have NEVER had one try to assume my ID and PAY a bill. Ok maybe if I were cashing the check it would be obvious for the need of ID but to PAY a bill???
I mean, what if I had just dropped the check into the drop box, would they need ID also?

Good grief it is a wonder to me how anything gets done in the US with the overwhelming amount of just plain dumbness at the state and city level.
Please people let's hear some comments or am I the only one that sees this exponential dumbness in action.