We’re moving in a few weeks, into a neighborhood where Comcast provides cable and Internet service. The good news is they have high-speed access and high-definition DVR service. The bad news is that Comcast insists I have to give them my Social Security number before they’ll start my service.
The sales rep says the company doesn’t run a credit check or actually do anything with the information. Instead, they use it as an identity check so that a third party can’t make changes to my service.
Are they insane? Identity theft is a real problem, and the Social Security Administration cautions, “You should be careful about sharing your number with anyone who asks for it (even when you are provided with a benefit or service).” They specifically caution against companies like Comcast doing this:
If a business or other enterprise asks you for your SSN, you can refuse to give it. However, that may mean doing without the purchase or service for which your number was requested. For example, utility companies and other services ask for a Social Security number, but do not need it; they can do a credit check or identify the person in their records by alternative means.
Giving your number is voluntary, even when you are asked for the number directly. If requested, you should ask why your number is needed, how your number will be used, what law requires you to give your number and what the consequences are if you refuse. The answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to give your Social Security number. The decision is yours.
The rep I talked to said it’s “policy.” No, I can’t talk to a supervisor, but he’ll have someone call me back. We’ll see what happens.
Had to share this:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/gate/archive/2003/09/24/notes092403.DTL
BTW, the excuse I got was, we’re not using the SSN for a credit check, we want to catch people who have not paid past bills and who have moved.
I had the same thing happen today when I called Comcast to sign up.
After telling me I couldn’t get the fastest internet connection possible (8Mb service) cause I was not a Comcast Cable customer, I was then told that I needed to give them my SS# so they could run a credit check on me. That was the reps exact words. I laughed at him and said “are you crazy?” I don’t give my SS# out like that. He then said that I could drive to my local Comcast office and fill out the forms there. I asked if the forms required the SS# and he said “yes, I think so because they would still have to do the credit check on you”.
My god, I’m not buying a house or car here. I have no problem with giving my credit card info and they can hit me on that if I “jump ship” or don’t pay.
With the ID theft now a days I think this is a very poor business practice and I will just live without Comcast internet service and any other service they may offer.
what’s the difference if Comcast requires a SSN? So does my Electric Co. AND my water Co. and for Paul who has no problem giving his Credit Card info won’t give his SSN?????!!!! Aren’t both are risk for fraud?
Dee,
You may not understand the risk difference between a SSN and a Credit Card, but I assure you they are 100% different.
Give someone your SSN, address, and name and you will no longer be you. It will take you years or longer to have your life back.
If your Credit Card number is stolen, your out $50 max. You put a stop on the card and have a new card issued. Your life goes on.
That is the difference.
Paul,
That is not always true. I used to work for Bank One/First USA in the Credit Card dept. I have seen research into fraud go on for months and longer. If I am a Business owner, giving me your credit card # as collateral is not good enough. Credit cards can be canceled, and I would never know until you defaulted and never paid me again. How does that give my any security that you’ll pay me or return my hundreds if dollars of equipment? No one wants to pay a security deposit, but they don’t want to provide legitimate companies with other forms of security??? Hmmmmm. Doesn’t make sense to me.
Only give the last 4 numbers of your SS# if you must. The stolen I.D.’s are at an all time high.
My friend who is a postal inspector works on a task force that spends all their time just on stolen I.D.’s.
Guard your SS#
Harry
Spoke with a Comcast rep today (internet setup), who initially wanted my SSN. He wouldn’t accept just the last 4. So I ended up giving him my driver’s license number, which I’m not happy about either. I figure that’s almost as bad as giving away SSN as far as identity theft is concerned.
The rep said it was a FCC policy. Considering it’s a “post 9/11″ policy, I think it’s more about getting the identity of WHO is viewing WHAT websites than running credit checks. I’ll have to remember not to visit bin laden’s myspace page…