Store courtesy cards are relatively new marketing strategy by supermarkets within the last few years. These cards are issued to store customers offering additional savings on particular items.

Stores offer these cards in an effort to keep you as a regular customer. The savings can be phenomenal and there is no limit to the cards you can have from various stores.

Many merchants require that you have their card to qualify for the discounts or specials that they are offering that week.

"Right to Privacy" groups across the country will warn you that these types of programs are an invasion of privacy. They believe the real purpose of the courtesy cards is to track an individual's spending pattern within their stores.

The same can be said about using debit and credit cards for purchases. The banks have all of the information of when, where and what you spend your money at any given time.

The practice of tracking consumer spending in this manner is called segmentation. Segmentation is a bit complex to understand but the risk factor is high says John Vanderlippe, in an article written for CASPIAN.com.

In the article he gives instances of the practice of segmentation in action by grocery stores. Further, he gives examples of questionable practices by nationwide grocery store chains with regard to discount cards. He also warns consumers of the potential practice of segmentation.

"Though consumer segmentation does not specifically target people by wealth or class, the net result will be the same," says John Vanderlippe. He goes on to explain, "Much as the elderly were targeted by Wells Fargo for banking price increases, the people that can least afford increased costs will be hit the hardest."

It is not written in stone exactly what you have to purchase with these cards, so why not just use them for the sale items and nothing more? The bottom line is that we all need to be aware that when we sign up for these discount cards, use credit or debit cards, our privacy is at risk on each purchase. Always familiarize yourself with prices and comparison shop for the best deals in your area.