Thats pretty weird I never encountered that....I think it might be region specific who knows then again I dont know how the POS could verify the last four of the SSN when most credit card companies dont make sensitive information like that available to retailers or hell even Visa. Even when I did the Call for Authorizations when I spoke to a VISA rep they just ask your name and address and if your traveling or whatever.
Major: I used visa dumps with zip, didnt have any special bins or anything just random ones I picked up. The ID thing only happened to me once it was weird, I just swiped it and it was ok even though I used a made up name etc.
I always wear hats and sometimes I wear +0 reading glasses from the drug store when I card regardless if its a vending machine or a regular retail store. Also EVERYTIME I walk into a store I pull out my cell phone and I act like I am reading a message or texting because usually most stores have cameras facing the entrance to capture your face when you walk in. Then again I really could care less about cameras, they dont talk and if your carding in an area outside of yours, you dont have nothing to worry about. They arent gonna plaster wanted posters looking for you for doing credit card fraud UNLESS your installing skimmers on ATMs