Posted: 9/8/2006 10:55:01 AM EDT
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I stopped by the Comcast store this morning because mom has just bought an HDTV and I needed to switch out our standard cable reciever for an HD compatible unit. This is free of charge since the units are part of the service contract. When I arrived the customer service rep was very polite and helpful, but needed my dad's SSN before completing the transfer. Being in the military, I am used to giving out my SSN for verification of every single thing. However, I don't like the fact that I increasingly see all sorts of companies using SSNs as part of thier records. I have no idea how identity theft works exactly, but I know that the more places my SSN can be found, the more likely it is to be used fraudulently. I am considering in the future asking any company I sign up with to waive the recording of my SSN when I sign up for their services or whatever. I don't know how well that will go over, or what my rights are in that situation, though. I also don't like companies (such as Blockbuster Video) which need a credit card number on file even if you don't plan on using it for store purchases. You guys have anything to add? Do I have any legal grounds to stand on regarding not giving out my SSN? Could refusal of service on those grounds be considered discrimination? Or, do I simply choose to either put up with it or do business elsewhere? |
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tell them no I do it all the time, won't do it They can ask for it for a credit check but that's about it. and if they refuse, then go somewhere else and do business with them. good thing that little card says on the bottom "not to be used for ID" next they'll be tattoing it on us. And yes, I know what that brings up images of, it's supposed to. |
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Welcome to the 1990's.... It's been this way for a long time. While not 'required', many utilitiy companies will ask you for your SSN, and other personal info. It's getting to the point that the utility are starting to run credit checks. And you can thank Democrats for the weakening of the Social Security Act, and the current Social Security financial problems, since they are the ones who added the money to the general fund, and removed the protection of the SSN. |
They can. http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/ssa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=78&p_created=955482891&p_sid=BBbl38hi&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NjcmcF9wcm9kcz0mcF9jYXRzPSZwX3B2PSZwX2N2PTEuMTYmcF9wYWdlPTI*&p_li=&p_topview=1 |