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I didn't exactly know where to put this so I thought maybe this would be the place. Here goes. I have not had a store credit card for decades. I have only a debit card and VISA card through my credit union. I know, I am an anachronism.
But recently I nearly succumbed when the nice saleslady at Macy's asked me if I wanted to sign up for a Macy's card while I was charging my purchases on my VISA. I thought a moment and said "Sure, why not?"
Then began the interrogation. I don't remember being asked all the questions she asked or having to show so much ID but I figured well okay with all the identity theft I guess they have to. But then came the deal breaker. She asked me to punch in my social security number in her little machine that took the credit card information.
"What??!! Why??!" I exclaimed. She told me everyone asked for this these days. I told her that on the contrary everyone is being advised not to give out SS numbers especially senior citizens like me. I am in my mid sixties and look it.
So we canceled the transaction and left feeling very uneasy. Was this a scam or for real? Before I left, I casually mentioned that my bank calls and verifies every charge on my card over one hundred dollars. My purchase that day totaled $91.00. Actually it actually takes more than that to generate a call but just in case I figured she should know that I have this service. Am I paranoid? You bet.
I bank online and have been keeping an eye on my VISA account. So far it's fine.
But my question is, and I apologize for the length of my post, does anyone know if the stores are really asking for people's SS numbers just to sign up for a store credit card? I think this is just nuts.
I haven't applied for a card in a while but I would think it is common. In the old days when we had to fill out a credit card application, we had to write in our social along with income and employment. I don't think they require that anymore, just the social. But I'm not really sure??
I haven't applied for a card in a while but I would think it is common. Inthe old days when we had to fill out a credit card application, we had to write in our social along with income and employment. I don't think they require that anymore, just the social. But I'm not really sure??
The key to your post is "in the old days". In general, it is becoming much less common to be asked for one's Social Security number. I haven't applied for a credit card for a very long time, so I'm not sure about the OP's situation either, but like her, I would have been very suspicious and I would have cancelled the transaction.
When opening a bank account, yes, they will require the SS number. And the banks have no choice in the matter either; Homeland Security has rules for the banks to follow regarding verifying the identity of customers. All that I do have recent experience with.
I can understand banks asking for it. That's okay. I guess for me too it's been so long since I signed up for a store card I don't remember. Good point about how everyone used to aske for your SS number. I remember back in the 60's your college ID number was your SS number and you gave it out to everyone.
I thought though in today's world no one asked for it and those who had to only required the last four digits for ID.
The store cards that I have are serviced by banks vs. the actually store. So that is another indication of why they are asking for your social. I think you are smart to just use the Visa.
The store cards that I have are serviced by banks vs. the actually store. So that is another indication of why they are asking for your social. I think you are smart to just use the Visa.
I didn't know that. You are absolutely right. I may as well just use my VISA in that case.
You were applying for credit. The store needs your social security number to run your credit. They need to know if you pay on time and if you can afford the credit(some people have too much debt and will be declined based on that)
I didn't exactly know where to put this so I thought maybe this would be the place. Here goes. I have not had a store credit card for decades. I have only a debit card and VISA card through my credit union. I know, I am an anachronism.
But recently I nearly succumbed when the nice saleslady at Macy's asked me if I wanted to sign up for a Macy's card while I was charging my purchases on my VISA. I thought a moment and said "Sure, why not?"
Then began the interrogation. I don't remember being asked all the questions she asked or having to show so much ID but I figured well okay with all the identity theft I guess they have to. But then came the deal breaker. She asked me to punch in my social security number in her little machine that took the credit card information.
"What??!! Why??!" I exclaimed. She told me everyone asked for this these days. I told her that on the contrary everyone is being advised not to give out SS numbers especially senior citizens like me. I am in my mid sixties and look it.
So we canceled the transaction and left feeling very uneasy. Was this a scam or for real? Before I left, I casually mentioned that my bank calls and verifies every charge on my card over one hundred dollars. My purchase that day totaled $91.00. Actually it actually takes more than that to generate a call but just in case I figured she should know that I have this service. Am I paranoid? You bet.
I bank online and have been keeping an eye on my VISA account. So far it's fine.
But my question is, and I apologize for the length of my post, does anyone know if the stores are really asking for people's SS numbers just to sign up for a store credit card? I think this is just nuts.
Where I work, yes, if a person applies for our store credit card they are asked to input their SS number. I think they do it so they can check credit records and accept or deny the application. It always amazes me that they can do that in less than five minutes. For something that is supposed to be so "secret" there sure are a LOT of places/businesses that ask for it. Including applying for jobs online, etc.. People who cash checks through our customer service are also required to input their SS number. THAT I think is totally unnecessary. The bank doesn't require that...
You were applying for credit. The store needs your social security number to run your credit. They need to know if you pay on time and if you can afford the credit(some people have too much debt and will be declined based on that)
DW had a Macy's CC once. With the hassles she had in mind, you may have saved yourself some grief by pulling back.
A credit card may have an obligation at this point to link it to a SS #. The government is becoming more intrusive and more interested in being able to follow money. The enhanced driver's license in Alabama requires both SS # and certified birth certificate. "1984" was years ago, and it is a Brave New World.
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