Well I was already to get a phone from Cingular and here is what they
said they need from me.
1)Name
2)Address
3)Credit Card Number
4)Social Security Number
5)Date of Birth
6)Driver's License
7)Mother's Maiden Name
Holy Crap!!!! Of course after this I would also have to sign a two year
contract. What's next... a urine sample? No wonder identity theft is
rampant.
I then told them I would be more than happy to give them a letter of
credit from my bank or a letter of credit from my current cell provider
that I've been with for 10 years. I could even show them a copy of my
credit score (over 800). I even told them they could keep my credit card
on record for a security deposit... similar to when you rent a car. By
the way, I rented a $50,000 Lincoln the other day and they just needed a
credit card and to see my driver's license. Well the Cingular service
rep. finally talked to the manager and they said that they would let me
have a phone if I put down a $500 cash deposit and they would give it
back to me after the contract expired. This method they said was less
invasive but it started to sound like they were making this up as we got
further into it.
Currently I am on Sprint and have been off contract for six years. I
also have a net10 phone which uses the Cingular Go Phone network.
At any rate I just wanted to pass this along. I'm sure this is probably
common place for most carriers but where does invasion of privacy end?
I'm sure this will fly right over the head of some.
d <aqdf@aol.com> wrote in news:468c8ff7$0$31231$4c368faf@roadrunner.com:
> Well I was already to get a phone from Cingular and here is what they
> said they need from me.
>
> 1)Name
OK- so they want to know who they do business with.
> 2)Address
OK- they want to know where to send the bill.
> 3)Credit Card Number
How were you planning on paying for the phone?
> 4)Social Security Number
> 5)Date of Birth
They are going to allow you to potentially accrue hundresd of dollars
per month in charges- a credit and identity check is appropriate. I
could walk into a Cingular store with #'s 1&2 claiming to be you. I
don't think you want me racking up a $5000 bill in your name.
> 6)Driver's License
Verifying the billing address and name- not unusual.
> 7)Mother's Maiden Name
Part of the credit and identity check.
>
>
> Holy Crap!!!! Of course after this I would also have to sign a two
> year contract.
Just like all of the advertising says? Imagine that!!
> What's next... a urine sample?
No- more than likely, a National ID card with microchip technology
embedded to insure you are who you say you are.
> No wonder identity theft is rampant.
That's what I was thinking when I saw the list of stuff below you are
willing to give them instead.
>
> I then told them I would be more than happy to give them a letter of
> credit from my bank
Can I have one? That, in combination with the ton of publicly
accessible information available on you could be a goldmine to someone.
> or a letter of credit from my current cell provider
> that I've been with for 10 years.
Which you won't get - the best that you'll get is a letter saying that
your account is currently current.
> I could even show them a copy of my
> credit score (over 800).
So you're willing to show them the same credit report they were going to
pull in the first place with the information they requested. They wan
to pull it themselves- what's the issue?
> I even told them they could keep my credit card
> on record for a security deposit... similar to when you rent a car. By
> the way, I rented a $50,000 Lincoln the other day and they just needed
> a credit card and to see my driver's license.
And if you didn't return it, they would have felony law on their side to
get it (and you ) back- it's called Grand Teft- Auto.
> Well the Cingular service
> rep. finally talked to the manager and they said that they would let
> me have a phone if I put down a $500 cash deposit and they would give
> it back to me after the contract expired.
Asking for a deposit from someone hesitant to verify their identity.
Sounds like good business to me.
> This method they said was less
> invasive but it started to sound like they were making this up as we
> > got further into it.
Nope- SOP for most (if not all ) postpaid carriers.
>
> Currently I am on Sprint and have been off contract for six years. I
> also have a net10 phone which uses the Cingular Go Phone network.
And I've been with one carrier for over seven years. Based on that
information, tell me how good a credit risk I am.
>
> At any rate I just wanted to pass this along. I'm sure this is
> probably common place for most carriers
It is.
> but where does invasion of privacy end?
What invasion of privacy? You wanted to purchase a phone from them that
is capable of amassing hundresd of dollars a month in charges and that
they will bill you for. It's not a life requirement to have said phone
and they are required to sell it to you. They are allowed, based on
their own investigation, to determine if they want to do business with
you and the terms by which they are willing to business with you if yo
umeet their criteria. Don't like it- find a carrier that won't ask for
the same information from a new customer in today's environment of
rampant identity theft. Hint- you won't. Eveb Sprint will not activate
a new account without the type of verification outlined by you.
> I'm sure this will fly right over the head of some.
>
"Scott" <how.do@you.do> wrote in message
news:KNSdneHlNN7GHhDbnZ2dnUVZ_qmpnZ2d@adelphia.com ...
>d <aqdf@aol.com> wrote in news:468c8ff7$0$31231$4c368faf@roadrunner.com:
>
>> Well I was already to get a phone from Cingular and here is what they
>> said they need from me.
>>
>> 1)Name
>
> OK- so they want to know who they do business with.
>
>> 2)Address
>
> OK- they want to know where to send the bill.
>
>> 3)Credit Card Number
>
> How were you planning on paying for the phone?
>
>> 4)Social Security Number
>> 5)Date of Birth
>
> They are going to allow you to potentially accrue hundresd of dollars
> per month in charges- a credit and identity check is appropriate. I
> could walk into a Cingular store with #'s 1&2 claiming to be you. I
> don't think you want me racking up a $5000 bill in your name.
>
>> 6)Driver's License
>
> Verifying the billing address and name- not unusual.
>
>> 7)Mother's Maiden Name
>
> Part of the credit and identity check.
>
>>
>>
>> Holy Crap!!!! Of course after this I would also have to sign a two
>> year contract.
>
> Just like all of the advertising says? Imagine that!!
>
>
>
>> What's next... a urine sample?
>
> No- more than likely, a National ID card with microchip technology
> embedded to insure you are who you say you are.
>
>> No wonder identity theft is rampant.
>
> That's what I was thinking when I saw the list of stuff below you are
> willing to give them instead.
>
>>
>> I then told them I would be more than happy to give them a letter of
>> credit from my bank
>
> Can I have one? That, in combination with the ton of publicly
> accessible information available on you could be a goldmine to someone.
>
>> or a letter of credit from my current cell provider
>> that I've been with for 10 years.
>
> Which you won't get - the best that you'll get is a letter saying that
> your account is currently current.
>
>> I could even show them a copy of my
>> credit score (over 800).
>
> So you're willing to show them the same credit report they were going to
> pull in the first place with the information they requested. They wan
> to pull it themselves- what's the issue?
>
>
>> I even told them they could keep my credit card
>> on record for a security deposit... similar to when you rent a car. By
>> the way, I rented a $50,000 Lincoln the other day and they just needed
>> a credit card and to see my driver's license.
>
> And if you didn't return it, they would have felony law on their side to
> get it (and you ) back- it's called Grand Teft- Auto.
>
>> Well the Cingular service
>> rep. finally talked to the manager and they said that they would let
>> me have a phone if I put down a $500 cash deposit and they would give
>> it back to me after the contract expired.
>
> Asking for a deposit from someone hesitant to verify their identity.
> Sounds like good business to me.
>
>> This method they said was less
>> invasive but it started to sound like they were making this up as we
>> > got further into it.
>
> Nope- SOP for most (if not all ) postpaid carriers.
>
>>
>> Currently I am on Sprint and have been off contract for six years. I
>> also have a net10 phone which uses the Cingular Go Phone network.
>
> And I've been with one carrier for over seven years. Based on that
> information, tell me how good a credit risk I am.
>
>>
>> At any rate I just wanted to pass this along. I'm sure this is
>> probably common place for most carriers
>
> It is.
>
>> but where does invasion of privacy end?
>
> What invasion of privacy? You wanted to purchase a phone from them that
> is capable of amassing hundresd of dollars a month in charges and that
> they will bill you for. It's not a life requirement to have said phone
> and they are required to sell it to you. They are allowed, based on
> their own investigation, to determine if they want to do business with
> you and the terms by which they are willing to business with you if yo
> umeet their criteria. Don't like it- find a carrier that won't ask for
> the same information from a new customer in today's environment of
> rampant identity theft. Hint- you won't. Eveb Sprint will not activate
> a new account without the type of verification outlined by you.
>
>> I'm sure this will fly right over the head of some.
>>
>
> As I'm sure my explanation flew over yours.
>
Sorry Scott, but running up a $5000 cell phone bill using a stolen identity
is also a felony. I too am offended when asked for that much info for a
simple transaction, and yes, it does lead top identity theft when companies
have sloppy data storage practices. Not too long ago TJ Maxx had the big
data thing. Not to mention that to allow a new personal customer to run up
a $5000 bill in the first month or so of service without following up on it
certainly leave the provider with questionable business practices.
FWIW - I refused to give the Cingular rep my SSN, or mother's maiden name
and told them that (after an hour of negotiating a deal) I would walk if
they really needed that. I did offer to give them credit references. After
a bit of a back & forth with the rep, he said well I'll try to put it
through but it may not go. So he did, he had to make a call to the Cingular
credit Dept where they asked for two credit references and the deal was
made. So no, they do not need that info to do the credit check or start
your service. You just need to find a sales rep who just won't keep saying
'no it can't be done' like broken record or mind-numbed robot. I feel your
pain man.
I love how now the procedure is to just ask for the last 4 of the SSN to
'unlock' your world as if by not asking for the entire number somehow makes
it more safe. When will these pinheads learn that no matter what you use
for an ID it is open to compromise. The best solution might be to ask the
customer for a 'passcode' that they can change every so often if they desire
and combine that with a short unique randomly generated code that adds to
the passcode when set up/changed.
"Jackson" <jacksonx@no_spam.z> wrote in
news:kbednVFpT90X2xPbnZ2dnUVZ_sy3nZ2d@comcast.com:
>
> "Scott" <how.do@you.do> wrote in message
> news:KNSdneHlNN7GHhDbnZ2dnUVZ_qmpnZ2d@adelphia.com ...
>>d <aqdf@aol.com> wrote in
>>news:468c8ff7$0$31231$4c368faf@roadrunner.com:
>>
>>> Well I was already to get a phone from Cingular and here is what
>>> they said they need from me.
>>>
>>> 1)Name
>>
>> OK- so they want to know who they do business with.
>>
>>> 2)Address
>>
>> OK- they want to know where to send the bill.
>>
>>> 3)Credit Card Number
>>
>> How were you planning on paying for the phone?
>>
>>> 4)Social Security Number
>>> 5)Date of Birth
>>
>> They are going to allow you to potentially accrue hundresd of dollars
>> per month in charges- a credit and identity check is appropriate. I
>> could walk into a Cingular store with #'s 1&2 claiming to be you. I
>> don't think you want me racking up a $5000 bill in your name.
>>
>>> 6)Driver's License
>>
>> Verifying the billing address and name- not unusual.
>>
>>> 7)Mother's Maiden Name
>>
>> Part of the credit and identity check.
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Holy Crap!!!! Of course after this I would also have to sign a two
>>> year contract.
>>
>> Just like all of the advertising says? Imagine that!!
>>
>>
>>
>>> What's next... a urine sample?
>>
>> No- more than likely, a National ID card with microchip technology
>> embedded to insure you are who you say you are.
>>
>>> No wonder identity theft is rampant.
>>
>> That's what I was thinking when I saw the list of stuff below you are
>> willing to give them instead.
>>
>>>
>>> I then told them I would be more than happy to give them a letter of
>>> credit from my bank
>>
>> Can I have one? That, in combination with the ton of publicly
>> accessible information available on you could be a goldmine to
>> someone.
>>
>>> or a letter of credit from my current cell provider
>>> that I've been with for 10 years.
>>
>> Which you won't get - the best that you'll get is a letter saying
>> that your account is currently current.
>>
>>> I could even show them a copy of my
>>> credit score (over 800).
>>
>> So you're willing to show them the same credit report they were going
>> to pull in the first place with the information they requested. They
>> wan to pull it themselves- what's the issue?
>>
>>
>>> I even told them they could keep my credit card
>>> on record for a security deposit... similar to when you rent a car.
>>> By the way, I rented a $50,000 Lincoln the other day and they just
>>> needed a credit card and to see my driver's license.
>>
>> And if you didn't return it, they would have felony law on their side
>> to get it (and you ) back- it's called Grand Teft- Auto.
>>
>>> Well the Cingular service
>>> rep. finally talked to the manager and they said that they would let
>>> me have a phone if I put down a $500 cash deposit and they would
>>> give it back to me after the contract expired.
>>
>> Asking for a deposit from someone hesitant to verify their identity.
>> Sounds like good business to me.
>>
>>> This method they said was less
>>> invasive but it started to sound like they were making this up as we
>>> > got further into it.
>>
>> Nope- SOP for most (if not all ) postpaid carriers.
>>
>>>
>>> Currently I am on Sprint and have been off contract for six years. I
>>> also have a net10 phone which uses the Cingular Go Phone network.
>>
>> And I've been with one carrier for over seven years. Based on that
>> information, tell me how good a credit risk I am.
>>
>>>
>>> At any rate I just wanted to pass this along. I'm sure this is
>>> probably common place for most carriers
>>
>> It is.
>>
>>> but where does invasion of privacy end?
>>
>> What invasion of privacy? You wanted to purchase a phone from them
>> that is capable of amassing hundresd of dollars a month in charges
>> and that they will bill you for. It's not a life requirement to have
>> said phone and they are required to sell it to you. They are
>> allowed, based on their own investigation, to determine if they want
>> to do business with you and the terms by which they are willing to
>> business with you if yo umeet their criteria. Don't like it- find a
>> carrier that won't ask for the same information from a new customer
>> in today's environment of rampant identity theft. Hint- you won't.
>> Eveb Sprint will not activate a new account without the type of
>> verification outlined by you.
>>
>>> I'm sure this will fly right over the head of some.
>>>
>>
>> As I'm sure my explanation flew over yours.
>>
>
> Sorry Scott, but running up a $5000 cell phone bill using a stolen
> identity is also a felony. I too am offended when asked for that much
> info for a simple transaction, and yes, it does lead top identity
> theft when companies have sloppy data storage practices. Not too long
> ago TJ Maxx had the big data thing. Not to mention that to allow a
> new personal customer to run up a $5000 bill in the first month or so
> of service without following up on it certainly leave the provider
> with questionable business practices.
>
> FWIW - I refused to give the Cingular rep my SSN, or mother's maiden
> name and told them that (after an hour of negotiating a deal) I would
> walk if they really needed that. I did offer to give them credit
> references. After a bit of a back & forth with the rep, he said well
> I'll try to put it through but it may not go. So he did, he had to
> make a call to the Cingular credit Dept where they asked for two
> credit references and the deal was made. So no, they do not need that
> info to do the credit check or start your service. You just need to
> find a sales rep who just won't keep saying 'no it can't be done' like
> broken record or mind-numbed robot. I feel your pain man.
>
> I love how now the procedure is to just ask for the last 4 of the SSN
> to 'unlock' your world as if by not asking for the entire number
> somehow makes it more safe. When will these pinheads learn that no
> matter what you use for an ID it is open to compromise. The best
> solution might be to ask the customer for a 'passcode' that they can
> change every so often if they desire and combine that with a short
> unique randomly generated code that adds to the passcode when set
> up/changed.
>
> Just my 2cents.
>
>
>
I started to respond and then realized the futility of it- your paranoia
and distrust of the world is not something I wish to delve into.
I'll just state that some of the blanket statements made by you are off
base as a generality and you should start buying your tin foil by the
case.
"Jackson" <jacksonx@no_spam.z> wrote in message
news:kbednVFpT90X2xPbnZ2dnUVZ_sy3nZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>
> "Scott" <how.do@you.do> wrote in message
> news:KNSdneHlNN7GHhDbnZ2dnUVZ_qmpnZ2d@adelphia.com ...
>>d <aqdf@aol.com> wrote in news:468c8ff7$0$31231$4c368faf@roadrunner.com:
>>
>>> Well I was already to get a phone from Cingular and here is what they
>>> said they need from me.
>>>
>>> 1)Name
>>
>> OK- so they want to know who they do business with.
>>
>>> 2)Address
>>
>> OK- they want to know where to send the bill.
>>
>>> 3)Credit Card Number
>>
>> How were you planning on paying for the phone?
>>
>>> 4)Social Security Number
>>> 5)Date of Birth
>>
>> They are going to allow you to potentially accrue hundresd of dollars
>> per month in charges- a credit and identity check is appropriate. I
>> could walk into a Cingular store with #'s 1&2 claiming to be you. I
>> don't think you want me racking up a $5000 bill in your name.
>>
>>> 6)Driver's License
>>
>> Verifying the billing address and name- not unusual.
>>
>>> 7)Mother's Maiden Name
>>
>> Part of the credit and identity check.
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Holy Crap!!!! Of course after this I would also have to sign a two
>>> year contract.
>>
>> Just like all of the advertising says? Imagine that!!
>>
>>
>>
>>> What's next... a urine sample?
>>
>> No- more than likely, a National ID card with microchip technology
>> embedded to insure you are who you say you are.
>>
>>> No wonder identity theft is rampant.
>>
>> That's what I was thinking when I saw the list of stuff below you are
>> willing to give them instead.
>>
>>>
>>> I then told them I would be more than happy to give them a letter of
>>> credit from my bank
>>
>> Can I have one? That, in combination with the ton of publicly
>> accessible information available on you could be a goldmine to someone.
>>
>>> or a letter of credit from my current cell provider
>>> that I've been with for 10 years.
>>
>> Which you won't get - the best that you'll get is a letter saying that
>> your account is currently current.
>>
>>> I could even show them a copy of my
>>> credit score (over 800).
>>
>> So you're willing to show them the same credit report they were going to
>> pull in the first place with the information they requested. They wan
>> to pull it themselves- what's the issue?
>>
>>
>>> I even told them they could keep my credit card
>>> on record for a security deposit... similar to when you rent a car. By
>>> the way, I rented a $50,000 Lincoln the other day and they just needed
>>> a credit card and to see my driver's license.
>>
>> And if you didn't return it, they would have felony law on their side to
>> get it (and you ) back- it's called Grand Teft- Auto.
>>
>>> Well the Cingular service
>>> rep. finally talked to the manager and they said that they would let
>>> me have a phone if I put down a $500 cash deposit and they would give
>>> it back to me after the contract expired.
>>
>> Asking for a deposit from someone hesitant to verify their identity.
>> Sounds like good business to me.
>>
>>> This method they said was less
>>> invasive but it started to sound like they were making this up as we
>>> > got further into it.
>>
>> Nope- SOP for most (if not all ) postpaid carriers.
>>
>>>
>>> Currently I am on Sprint and have been off contract for six years. I
>>> also have a net10 phone which uses the Cingular Go Phone network.
>>
>> And I've been with one carrier for over seven years. Based on that
>> information, tell me how good a credit risk I am.
>>
>>>
>>> At any rate I just wanted to pass this along. I'm sure this is
>>> probably common place for most carriers
>>
>> It is.
>>
>>> but where does invasion of privacy end?
>>
>> What invasion of privacy? You wanted to purchase a phone from them that
>> is capable of amassing hundresd of dollars a month in charges and that
>> they will bill you for. It's not a life requirement to have said phone
>> and they are required to sell it to you. They are allowed, based on
>> their own investigation, to determine if they want to do business with
>> you and the terms by which they are willing to business with you if yo
>> umeet their criteria. Don't like it- find a carrier that won't ask for
>> the same information from a new customer in today's environment of
>> rampant identity theft. Hint- you won't. Eveb Sprint will not activate
>> a new account without the type of verification outlined by you.
>>
>>> I'm sure this will fly right over the head of some.
>>>
>>
>> As I'm sure my explanation flew over yours.
>>
>
> Sorry Scott, but running up a $5000 cell phone bill using a stolen
> identity is also a felony. I too am offended when asked for that much
> info for a simple transaction, and yes, it does lead top identity theft
> when companies have sloppy data storage practices. Not too long ago TJ
> Maxx had the big data thing. Not to mention that to allow a new personal
> customer to run up a $5000 bill in the first month or so of service
> without following up on it certainly leave the provider with questionable
> business practices.
>
> FWIW - I refused to give the Cingular rep my SSN, or mother's maiden name
> and told them that (after an hour of negotiating a deal) I would walk if
> they really needed that. I did offer to give them credit references.
> After a bit of a back & forth with the rep, he said well I'll try to put
> it through but it may not go. So he did, he had to make a call to the
> Cingular credit Dept where they asked for two credit references and the
> deal was made. So no, they do not need that info to do the credit check
> or start your service. You just need to find a sales rep who just won't
> keep saying 'no it can't be done' like broken record or mind-numbed robot.
> I feel your pain man.
>
> I love how now the procedure is to just ask for the last 4 of the SSN to
> 'unlock' your world as if by not asking for the entire number somehow
> makes it more safe. When will these pinheads learn that no matter what
> you use for an ID it is open to compromise. The best solution might be to
> ask the customer for a 'passcode' that they can change every so often if
> they desire and combine that with a short unique randomly generated code
> that adds to the passcode when set up/changed.
>
> Just my 2cents.
You complain about the threat of identify theft but don't want to prove you
are who you say you are when buying a cellular phone. Wow. You are right, no
wonder identity theft is so rampant.
"William Michael Greene" <wmg63@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:xetji.28902$19.22696@bignews5.bellsouth.net.. .
>
> "Jackson" <jacksonx@no_spam.z> wrote in message
> news:kbednVFpT90X2xPbnZ2dnUVZ_sy3nZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>>
>> "Scott" <how.do@you.do> wrote in message
>> news:KNSdneHlNN7GHhDbnZ2dnUVZ_qmpnZ2d@adelphia.com ...
>>>d <aqdf@aol.com> wrote in news:468c8ff7$0$31231$4c368faf@roadrunner.com:
>>>
>>>> Well I was already to get a phone from Cingular and here is what they
>>>> said they need from me.
>>>>
>>>> 1)Name
>>>
>>> OK- so they want to know who they do business with.
>>>
>>>> 2)Address
>>>
>>> OK- they want to know where to send the bill.
>>>
>>>> 3)Credit Card Number
>>>
>>> How were you planning on paying for the phone?
>>>
>>>> 4)Social Security Number
>>>> 5)Date of Birth
>>>
>>> They are going to allow you to potentially accrue hundresd of dollars
>>> per month in charges- a credit and identity check is appropriate. I
>>> could walk into a Cingular store with #'s 1&2 claiming to be you. I
>>> don't think you want me racking up a $5000 bill in your name.
>>>
>>>> 6)Driver's License
>>>
>>> Verifying the billing address and name- not unusual.
>>>
>>>> 7)Mother's Maiden Name
>>>
>>> Part of the credit and identity check.
>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Holy Crap!!!! Of course after this I would also have to sign a two
>>>> year contract.
>>>
>>> Just like all of the advertising says? Imagine that!!
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> What's next... a urine sample?
>>>
>>> No- more than likely, a National ID card with microchip technology
>>> embedded to insure you are who you say you are.
>>>
>>>> No wonder identity theft is rampant.
>>>
>>> That's what I was thinking when I saw the list of stuff below you are
>>> willing to give them instead.
>>>
>>>>
>>>> I then told them I would be more than happy to give them a letter of
>>>> credit from my bank
>>>
>>> Can I have one? That, in combination with the ton of publicly
>>> accessible information available on you could be a goldmine to someone.
>>>
>>>> or a letter of credit from my current cell provider
>>>> that I've been with for 10 years.
>>>
>>> Which you won't get - the best that you'll get is a letter saying that
>>> your account is currently current.
>>>
>>>> I could even show them a copy of my
>>>> credit score (over 800).
>>>
>>> So you're willing to show them the same credit report they were going to
>>> pull in the first place with the information they requested. They wan
>>> to pull it themselves- what's the issue?
>>>
>>>
>>>> I even told them they could keep my credit card
>>>> on record for a security deposit... similar to when you rent a car. By
>>>> the way, I rented a $50,000 Lincoln the other day and they just needed
>>>> a credit card and to see my driver's license.
>>>
>>> And if you didn't return it, they would have felony law on their side to
>>> get it (and you ) back- it's called Grand Teft- Auto.
>>>
>>>> Well the Cingular service
>>>> rep. finally talked to the manager and they said that they would let
>>>> me have a phone if I put down a $500 cash deposit and they would give
>>>> it back to me after the contract expired.
>>>
>>> Asking for a deposit from someone hesitant to verify their identity.
>>> Sounds like good business to me.
>>>
>>>> This method they said was less
>>>> invasive but it started to sound like they were making this up as we
>>>> > got further into it.
>>>
>>> Nope- SOP for most (if not all ) postpaid carriers.
>>>
>>>>
>>>> Currently I am on Sprint and have been off contract for six years. I
>>>> also have a net10 phone which uses the Cingular Go Phone network.
>>>
>>> And I've been with one carrier for over seven years. Based on that
>>> information, tell me how good a credit risk I am.
>>>
>>>>
>>>> At any rate I just wanted to pass this along. I'm sure this is
>>>> probably common place for most carriers
>>>
>>> It is.
>>>
>>>> but where does invasion of privacy end?
>>>
>>> What invasion of privacy? You wanted to purchase a phone from them that
>>> is capable of amassing hundresd of dollars a month in charges and that
>>> they will bill you for. It's not a life requirement to have said phone
>>> and they are required to sell it to you. They are allowed, based on
>>> their own investigation, to determine if they want to do business with
>>> you and the terms by which they are willing to business with you if yo
>>> umeet their criteria. Don't like it- find a carrier that won't ask for
>>> the same information from a new customer in today's environment of
>>> rampant identity theft. Hint- you won't. Eveb Sprint will not activate
>>> a new account without the type of verification outlined by you.
>>>
>>>> I'm sure this will fly right over the head of some.
>>>>
>>>
>>> As I'm sure my explanation flew over yours.
>>>
>>
>> Sorry Scott, but running up a $5000 cell phone bill using a stolen
>> identity is also a felony. I too am offended when asked for that much
>> info for a simple transaction, and yes, it does lead top identity theft
>> when companies have sloppy data storage practices. Not too long ago TJ
>> Maxx had the big data thing. Not to mention that to allow a new personal
>> customer to run up a $5000 bill in the first month or so of service
>> without following up on it certainly leave the provider with questionable
>> business practices.
>>
>> FWIW - I refused to give the Cingular rep my SSN, or mother's maiden name
>> and told them that (after an hour of negotiating a deal) I would walk if
>> they really needed that. I did offer to give them credit references.
>> After a bit of a back & forth with the rep, he said well I'll try to put
>> it through but it may not go. So he did, he had to make a call to the
>> Cingular credit Dept where they asked for two credit references and the
>> deal was made. So no, they do not need that info to do the credit check
>> or start your service. You just need to find a sales rep who just won't
>> keep saying 'no it can't be done' like broken record or mind-numbed
>> robot. I feel your pain man.
>>
>> I love how now the procedure is to just ask for the last 4 of the SSN to
>> 'unlock' your world as if by not asking for the entire number somehow
>> makes it more safe. When will these pinheads learn that no matter what
>> you use for an ID it is open to compromise. The best solution might be
>> to ask the customer for a 'passcode' that they can change every so often
>> if they desire and combine that with a short unique randomly generated
>> code that adds to the passcode when set up/changed.
>>
>> Just my 2cents.
>
>
> You complain about the threat of identify theft but don't want to prove
> you are who you say you are when buying a cellular phone. Wow. You are
> right, no wonder identity theft is so rampant.
>
I have no problem "proving" who I am when doing a transaction, what I take
issue with is the need to enter all my information used to "prove" my
identity into the Cingular/ATT (or other) database to then be mismanaged or
stolen. Why not just plant a chip in your hand, or tatoo your arm.....
ALL THE INFORMATION IS TO PREVENT SOMEONE PRETENDING TO BE YOU! IT IS A
SAFTY MEASURE FOR YOUR PROTECTION. IF YOU ARE THAT PARANOID USE A LANDLINE,
BECAUSE WHO KNOWS WHO MIGHT BE LISTENING?
"Jackson" <jacksonx@no_spam.z> wrote in message
news:ubGdnfg8ZbugLwzbnZ2dnUVZ_v2unZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>
> "William Michael Greene" <wmg63@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
> news:xetji.28902$19.22696@bignews5.bellsouth.net.. .
>>
>> "Jackson" <jacksonx@no_spam.z> wrote in message
>> news:kbednVFpT90X2xPbnZ2dnUVZ_sy3nZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>>>
>>> "Scott" <how.do@you.do> wrote in message
>>> news:KNSdneHlNN7GHhDbnZ2dnUVZ_qmpnZ2d@adelphia.com ...
>>>>d <aqdf@aol.com> wrote in news:468c8ff7$0$31231$4c368faf@roadrunner.com:
>>>>
>>>>> Well I was already to get a phone from Cingular and here is what they
>>>>> said they need from me.
>>>>>
>>>>> 1)Name
>>>>
>>>> OK- so they want to know who they do business with.
>>>>
>>>>> 2)Address
>>>>
>>>> OK- they want to know where to send the bill.
>>>>
>>>>> 3)Credit Card Number
>>>>
>>>> How were you planning on paying for the phone?
>>>>
>>>>> 4)Social Security Number
>>>>> 5)Date of Birth
>>>>
>>>> They are going to allow you to potentially accrue hundresd of dollars
>>>> per month in charges- a credit and identity check is appropriate. I
>>>> could walk into a Cingular store with #'s 1&2 claiming to be you. I
>>>> don't think you want me racking up a $5000 bill in your name.
>>>>
>>>>> 6)Driver's License
>>>>
>>>> Verifying the billing address and name- not unusual.
>>>>
>>>>> 7)Mother's Maiden Name
>>>>
>>>> Part of the credit and identity check.
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Holy Crap!!!! Of course after this I would also have to sign a two
>>>>> year contract.
>>>>
>>>> Just like all of the advertising says? Imagine that!!
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> What's next... a urine sample?
>>>>
>>>> No- more than likely, a National ID card with microchip technology
>>>> embedded to insure you are who you say you are.
>>>>
>>>>> No wonder identity theft is rampant.
>>>>
>>>> That's what I was thinking when I saw the list of stuff below you are
>>>> willing to give them instead.
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I then told them I would be more than happy to give them a letter of
>>>>> credit from my bank
>>>>
>>>> Can I have one? That, in combination with the ton of publicly
>>>> accessible information available on you could be a goldmine to someone.
>>>>
>>>>> or a letter of credit from my current cell provider
>>>>> that I've been with for 10 years.
>>>>
>>>> Which you won't get - the best that you'll get is a letter saying that
>>>> your account is currently current.
>>>>
>>>>> I could even show them a copy of my
>>>>> credit score (over 800).
>>>>
>>>> So you're willing to show them the same credit report they were going
>>>> to
>>>> pull in the first place with the information they requested. They wan
>>>> to pull it themselves- what's the issue?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> I even told them they could keep my credit card
>>>>> on record for a security deposit... similar to when you rent a car. By
>>>>> the way, I rented a $50,000 Lincoln the other day and they just needed
>>>>> a credit card and to see my driver's license.
>>>>
>>>> And if you didn't return it, they would have felony law on their side
>>>> to
>>>> get it (and you ) back- it's called Grand Teft- Auto.
>>>>
>>>>> Well the Cingular service
>>>>> rep. finally talked to the manager and they said that they would let
>>>>> me have a phone if I put down a $500 cash deposit and they would give
>>>>> it back to me after the contract expired.
>>>>
>>>> Asking for a deposit from someone hesitant to verify their identity.
>>>> Sounds like good business to me.
>>>>
>>>>> This method they said was less
>>>>> invasive but it started to sound like they were making this up as we
>>>>> > got further into it.
>>>>
>>>> Nope- SOP for most (if not all ) postpaid carriers.
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Currently I am on Sprint and have been off contract for six years. I
>>>>> also have a net10 phone which uses the Cingular Go Phone network.
>>>>
>>>> And I've been with one carrier for over seven years. Based on that
>>>> information, tell me how good a credit risk I am.
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> At any rate I just wanted to pass this along. I'm sure this is
>>>>> probably common place for most carriers
>>>>
>>>> It is.
>>>>
>>>>> but where does invasion of privacy end?
>>>>
>>>> What invasion of privacy? You wanted to purchase a phone from them
>>>> that
>>>> is capable of amassing hundresd of dollars a month in charges and that
>>>> they will bill you for. It's not a life requirement to have said phone
>>>> and they are required to sell it to you. They are allowed, based on
>>>> their own investigation, to determine if they want to do business with
>>>> you and the terms by which they are willing to business with you if yo
>>>> umeet their criteria. Don't like it- find a carrier that won't ask for
>>>> the same information from a new customer in today's environment of
>>>> rampant identity theft. Hint- you won't. Eveb Sprint will not
>>>> activate
>>>> a new account without the type of verification outlined by you.
>>>>
>>>>> I'm sure this will fly right over the head of some.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> As I'm sure my explanation flew over yours.
>>>>
>>>
>>> Sorry Scott, but running up a $5000 cell phone bill using a stolen
>>> identity is also a felony. I too am offended when asked for that much
>>> info for a simple transaction, and yes, it does lead top identity theft
>>> when companies have sloppy data storage practices. Not too long ago TJ
>>> Maxx had the big data thing. Not to mention that to allow a new
>>> personal customer to run up a $5000 bill in the first month or so of
>>> service without following up on it certainly leave the provider with
>>> questionable business practices.
>>>
>>> FWIW - I refused to give the Cingular rep my SSN, or mother's maiden
>>> name and told them that (after an hour of negotiating a deal) I would
>>> walk if they really needed that. I did offer to give them credit
>>> references. After a bit of a back & forth with the rep, he said well
>>> I'll try to put it through but it may not go. So he did, he had to make
>>> a call to the Cingular credit Dept where they asked for two credit
>>> references and the deal was made. So no, they do not need that info to
>>> do the credit check or start your service. You just need to find a
>>> sales rep who just won't keep saying 'no it can't be done' like broken
>>> record or mind-numbed robot. I feel your pain man.
>>>
>>> I love how now the procedure is to just ask for the last 4 of the SSN to
>>> 'unlock' your world as if by not asking for the entire number somehow
>>> makes it more safe. When will these pinheads learn that no matter what
>>> you use for an ID it is open to compromise. The best solution might be
>>> to ask the customer for a 'passcode' that they can change every so often
>>> if they desire and combine that with a short unique randomly generated
>>> code that adds to the passcode when set up/changed.
>>>
>>> Just my 2cents.
>>
>>
>> You complain about the threat of identify theft but don't want to prove
>> you are who you say you are when buying a cellular phone. Wow. You are
>> right, no wonder identity theft is so rampant.
>>
>
> I have no problem "proving" who I am when doing a transaction, what I take
> issue with is the need to enter all my information used to "prove" my
> identity into the Cingular/ATT (or other) database to then be mismanaged
> or stolen. Why not just plant a chip in your hand, or tatoo your arm.....
>
>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>
"Jackson" <jacksonx@no_spam.z> wrote in
news:ubGdnfg8ZbugLwzbnZ2dnUVZ_v2unZ2d@comcast.com:
>
> "William Michael Greene" <wmg63@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
> news:xetji.28902$19.22696@bignews5.bellsouth.net.. .
>>
>> "Jackson" <jacksonx@no_spam.z> wrote in message
>> news:kbednVFpT90X2xPbnZ2dnUVZ_sy3nZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>>>
>>> "Scott" <how.do@you.do> wrote in message
>>> news:KNSdneHlNN7GHhDbnZ2dnUVZ_qmpnZ2d@adelphia.com ...
>>>>d <aqdf@aol.com> wrote in
>>>>news:468c8ff7$0$31231$4c368faf@roadrunner.co m:
>>>>
>>>>> Well I was already to get a phone from Cingular and here is what
>>>>> they said they need from me.
>>>>>
>>>>> 1)Name
>>>>
>>>> OK- so they want to know who they do business with.
>>>>
>>>>> 2)Address
>>>>
>>>> OK- they want to know where to send the bill.
>>>>
>>>>> 3)Credit Card Number
>>>>
>>>> How were you planning on paying for the phone?
>>>>
>>>>> 4)Social Security Number
>>>>> 5)Date of Birth
>>>>
>>>> They are going to allow you to potentially accrue hundresd of
>>>> dollars per month in charges- a credit and identity check is
>>>> appropriate. I could walk into a Cingular store with #'s 1&2
>>>> claiming to be you. I don't think you want me racking up a $5000
>>>> bill in your name.
>>>>
>>>>> 6)Driver's License
>>>>
>>>> Verifying the billing address and name- not unusual.
>>>>
>>>>> 7)Mother's Maiden Name
>>>>
>>>> Part of the credit and identity check.
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Holy Crap!!!! Of course after this I would also have to sign a two
>>>>> year contract.
>>>>
>>>> Just like all of the advertising says? Imagine that!!
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> What's next... a urine sample?
>>>>
>>>> No- more than likely, a National ID card with microchip technology
>>>> embedded to insure you are who you say you are.
>>>>
>>>>> No wonder identity theft is rampant.
>>>>
>>>> That's what I was thinking when I saw the list of stuff below you
>>>> are willing to give them instead.
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> I then told them I would be more than happy to give them a letter
>>>>> of credit from my bank
>>>>
>>>> Can I have one? That, in combination with the ton of publicly
>>>> accessible information available on you could be a goldmine to
>>>> someone.
>>>>
>>>>> or a letter of credit from my current cell provider
>>>>> that I've been with for 10 years.
>>>>
>>>> Which you won't get - the best that you'll get is a letter saying
>>>> that your account is currently current.
>>>>
>>>>> I could even show them a copy of my
>>>>> credit score (over 800).
>>>>
>>>> So you're willing to show them the same credit report they were
>>>> going to pull in the first place with the information they
>>>> requested. They wan to pull it themselves- what's the issue?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> I even told them they could keep my credit card
>>>>> on record for a security deposit... similar to when you rent a
>>>>> car. By the way, I rented a $50,000 Lincoln the other day and they
>>>>> just needed a credit card and to see my driver's license.
>>>>
>>>> And if you didn't return it, they would have felony law on their
>>>> side to get it (and you ) back- it's called Grand Teft- Auto.
>>>>
>>>>> Well the Cingular service
>>>>> rep. finally talked to the manager and they said that they would
>>>>> let me have a phone if I put down a $500 cash deposit and they
>>>>> would give it back to me after the contract expired.
>>>>
>>>> Asking for a deposit from someone hesitant to verify their
>>>> identity. Sounds like good business to me.
>>>>
>>>>> This method they said was less
>>>>> invasive but it started to sound like they were making this up as
>>>>> we
>>>>> > got further into it.
>>>>
>>>> Nope- SOP for most (if not all ) postpaid carriers.
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Currently I am on Sprint and have been off contract for six years.
>>>>> I also have a net10 phone which uses the Cingular Go Phone
>>>>> network.
>>>>
>>>> And I've been with one carrier for over seven years. Based on that
>>>> information, tell me how good a credit risk I am.
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> At any rate I just wanted to pass this along. I'm sure this is
>>>>> probably common place for most carriers
>>>>
>>>> It is.
>>>>
>>>>> but where does invasion of privacy end?
>>>>
>>>> What invasion of privacy? You wanted to purchase a phone from them
>>>> that is capable of amassing hundresd of dollars a month in charges
>>>> and that they will bill you for. It's not a life requirement to
>>>> have said phone and they are required to sell it to you. They are
>>>> allowed, based on their own investigation, to determine if they
>>>> want to do business with you and the terms by which they are
>>>> willing to business with you if yo umeet their criteria. Don't
>>>> like it- find a carrier that won't ask for the same information
>>>> from a new customer in today's environment of rampant identity
>>>> theft. Hint- you won't. Eveb Sprint will not activate a new
>>>> account without the type of verification outlined by you.
>>>>
>>>>> I'm sure this will fly right over the head of some.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> As I'm sure my explanation flew over yours.
>>>>
>>>
>>> Sorry Scott, but running up a $5000 cell phone bill using a stolen
>>> identity is also a felony. I too am offended when asked for that
>>> much info for a simple transaction, and yes, it does lead top
>>> identity theft when companies have sloppy data storage practices.
>>> Not too long ago TJ Maxx had the big data thing. Not to mention
>>> that to allow a new personal customer to run up a $5000 bill in the
>>> first month or so of service without following up on it certainly
>>> leave the provider with questionable business practices.
>>>
>>> FWIW - I refused to give the Cingular rep my SSN, or mother's maiden
>>> name and told them that (after an hour of negotiating a deal) I
>>> would walk if they really needed that. I did offer to give them
>>> credit references. After a bit of a back & forth with the rep, he
>>> said well I'll try to put it through but it may not go. So he did,
>>> he had to make a call to the Cingular credit Dept where they asked
>>> for two credit references and the deal was made. So no, they do not
>>> need that info to do the credit check or start your service. You
>>> just need to find a sales rep who just won't keep saying 'no it
>>> can't be done' like broken record or mind-numbed robot. I feel your
>>> pain man.
>>>
>>> I love how now the procedure is to just ask for the last 4 of the
>>> SSN to 'unlock' your world as if by not asking for the entire
>>> number somehow makes it more safe. When will these pinheads learn
>>> that no matter what you use for an ID it is open to compromise. The
>>> best solution might be to ask the customer for a 'passcode' that
>>> they can change every so often if they desire and combine that with
>>> a short unique randomly generated code that adds to the passcode
>>> when set up/changed.
>>>
>>> Just my 2cents.
>>
>>
>> You complain about the threat of identify theft but don't want to
>> prove you are who you say you are when buying a cellular phone. Wow.
>> You are right, no wonder identity theft is so rampant.
>>
>
> I have no problem "proving" who I am when doing a transaction, what I
> take issue with is the need to enter all my information used to
> "prove" my identity into the Cingular/ATT (or other) database to then
> be mismanaged or stolen. Why not just plant a chip in your hand, or
> tatoo your arm.....
>
>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>
But wait a minute, Skippy- let's look at the evidence here. You said
you had no problem in giving your drivers license info and CC# to a car
rental agency. By doing so, you gave them your:
Name
Address
Date of Birth
Credit Card Number
Other Drivers License Information
So, you willingly gave them five out of the seven pieces of information
you are whining about here. I'm sure that your mother's maiden name is
a government secret. My point- you obviously didn't realize the amount
of information you gave the rental company, or are just pissed that
somebody didn't take you at your word when you tried to convince them
that you could "prove" who you are, or you just have a hard-on for
cellular companies in general because they make you play by their rules.
You're not the victim of process here, but the reason the process
exists.
"Scott" <how.do@you.do> wrote in message
news:e4qdnRZWx67SXg_bnZ2dnUVZ_rSinZ2d@adelphia.com ...
> "Jackson" <jacksonx@no_spam.z> wrote in
> news:ubGdnfg8ZbugLwzbnZ2dnUVZ_v2unZ2d@comcast.com:
>
>>
>> "William Michael Greene" <wmg63@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
>> news:xetji.28902$19.22696@bignews5.bellsouth.net.. .
>>>
>>> "Jackson" <jacksonx@no_spam.z> wrote in message
>>> news:kbednVFpT90X2xPbnZ2dnUVZ_sy3nZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>>>>
>>>> "Scott" <how.do@you.do> wrote in message
>>>> news:KNSdneHlNN7GHhDbnZ2dnUVZ_qmpnZ2d@adelphia.com ...
>>>>>d <aqdf@aol.com> wrote in
>>>>>news:468c8ff7$0$31231$4c368faf@roadrunner.com :
>>>>>
>>>>>> Well I was already to get a phone from Cingular and here is what
>>>>>> they said they need from me.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 1)Name
>>>>>
>>>>> OK- so they want to know who they do business with.
>>>>>
>>>>>> 2)Address
>>>>>
>>>>> OK- they want to know where to send the bill.
>>>>>
>>>>>> 3)Credit Card Number
>>>>>
>>>>> How were you planning on paying for the phone?
>>>>>
>>>>>> 4)Social Security Number
>>>>>> 5)Date of Birth
>>>>>
>>>>> They are going to allow you to potentially accrue hundresd of
>>>>> dollars per month in charges- a credit and identity check is
>>>>> appropriate. I could walk into a Cingular store with #'s 1&2
>>>>> claiming to be you. I don't think you want me racking up a $5000
>>>>> bill in your name.
>>>>>
>>>>>> 6)Driver's License
>>>>>
>>>>> Verifying the billing address and name- not unusual.
>>>>>
>>>>>> 7)Mother's Maiden Name
>>>>>
>>>>> Part of the credit and identity check.
>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Holy Crap!!!! Of course after this I would also have to sign a two
>>>>>> year contract.
>>>>>
>>>>> Just like all of the advertising says? Imagine that!!
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> What's next... a urine sample?
>>>>>
>>>>> No- more than likely, a National ID card with microchip technology
>>>>> embedded to insure you are who you say you are.
>>>>>
>>>>>> No wonder identity theft is rampant.
>>>>>
>>>>> That's what I was thinking when I saw the list of stuff below you
>>>>> are willing to give them instead.
>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I then told them I would be more than happy to give them a letter
>>>>>> of credit from my bank
>>>>>
>>>>> Can I have one? That, in combination with the ton of publicly
>>>>> accessible information available on you could be a goldmine to
>>>>> someone.
>>>>>
>>>>>> or a letter of credit from my current cell provider
>>>>>> that I've been with for 10 years.
>>>>>
>>>>> Which you won't get - the best that you'll get is a letter saying
>>>>> that your account is currently current.
>>>>>
>>>>>> I could even show them a copy of my
>>>>>> credit score (over 800).
>>>>>
>>>>> So you're willing to show them the same credit report they were
>>>>> going to pull in the first place with the information they
>>>>> requested. They wan to pull it themselves- what's the issue?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> I even told them they could keep my credit card
>>>>>> on record for a security deposit... similar to when you rent a
>>>>>> car. By the way, I rented a $50,000 Lincoln the other day and they
>>>>>> just needed a credit card and to see my driver's license.
>>>>>
>>>>> And if you didn't return it, they would have felony law on their
>>>>> side to get it (and you ) back- it's called Grand Teft- Auto.
>>>>>
>>>>>> Well the Cingular service
>>>>>> rep. finally talked to the manager and they said that they would
>>>>>> let me have a phone if I put down a $500 cash deposit and they
>>>>>> would give it back to me after the contract expired.
>>>>>
>>>>> Asking for a deposit from someone hesitant to verify their
>>>>> identity. Sounds like good business to me.
>>>>>
>>>>>> This method they said was less
>>>>>> invasive but it started to sound like they were making this up as
>>>>>> we
>>>>>> > got further into it.
>>>>>
>>>>> Nope- SOP for most (if not all ) postpaid carriers.
>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Currently I am on Sprint and have been off contract for six years.
>>>>>> I also have a net10 phone which uses the Cingular Go Phone
>>>>>> network.
>>>>>
>>>>> And I've been with one carrier for over seven years. Based on that
>>>>> information, tell me how good a credit risk I am.
>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> At any rate I just wanted to pass this along. I'm sure this is
>>>>>> probably common place for most carriers
>>>>>
>>>>> It is.
>>>>>
>>>>>> but where does invasion of privacy end?
>>>>>
>>>>> What invasion of privacy? You wanted to purchase a phone from them
>>>>> that is capable of amassing hundresd of dollars a month in charges
>>>>> and that they will bill you for. It's not a life requirement to
>>>>> have said phone and they are required to sell it to you. They are
>>>>> allowed, based on their own investigation, to determine if they
>>>>> want to do business with you and the terms by which they are
>>>>> willing to business with you if yo umeet their criteria. Don't
>>>>> like it- find a carrier that won't ask for the same information
>>>>> from a new customer in today's environment of rampant identity
>>>>> theft. Hint- you won't. Eveb Sprint will not activate a new
>>>>> account without the type of verification outlined by you.
>>>>>
>>>>>> I'm sure this will fly right over the head of some.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> As I'm sure my explanation flew over yours.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Sorry Scott, but running up a $5000 cell phone bill using a stolen
>>>> identity is also a felony. I too am offended when asked for that
>>>> much info for a simple transaction, and yes, it does lead top
>>>> identity theft when companies have sloppy data storage practices.
>>>> Not too long ago TJ Maxx had the big data thing. Not to mention
>>>> that to allow a new personal customer to run up a $5000 bill in the
>>>> first month or so of service without following up on it certainly
>>>> leave the provider with questionable business practices.
>>>>
>>>> FWIW - I refused to give the Cingular rep my SSN, or mother's maiden
>>>> name and told them that (after an hour of negotiating a deal) I
>>>> would walk if they really needed that. I did offer to give them
>>>> credit references. After a bit of a back & forth with the rep, he
>>>> said well I'll try to put it through but it may not go. So he did,
>>>> he had to make a call to the Cingular credit Dept where they asked
>>>> for two credit references and the deal was made. So no, they do not
>>>> need that info to do the credit check or start your service. You
>>>> just need to find a sales rep who just won't keep saying 'no it
>>>> can't be done' like broken record or mind-numbed robot. I feel your
>>>> pain man.
>>>>
>>>> I love how now the procedure is to just ask for the last 4 of the
>>>> SSN to 'unlock' your world as if by not asking for the entire
>>>> number somehow makes it more safe. When will these pinheads learn
>>>> that no matter what you use for an ID it is open to compromise. The
>>>> best solution might be to ask the customer for a 'passcode' that
>>>> they can change every so often if they desire and combine that with
>>>> a short unique randomly generated code that adds to the passcode
>>>> when set up/changed.
>>>>
>>>> Just my 2cents.
>>>
>>>
>>> You complain about the threat of identify theft but don't want to
>>> prove you are who you say you are when buying a cellular phone. Wow.
>>> You are right, no wonder identity theft is so rampant.
>>>
>>
>> I have no problem "proving" who I am when doing a transaction, what I
>> take issue with is the need to enter all my information used to
>> "prove" my identity into the Cingular/ATT (or other) database to then
>> be mismanaged or stolen. Why not just plant a chip in your hand, or
>> tatoo your arm.....
>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
> But wait a minute, Skippy- let's look at the evidence here. You said
> you had no problem in giving your drivers license info and CC# to a car
> rental agency. By doing so, you gave them your:
>
> Name
> Address
> Date of Birth
> Credit Card Number
> Other Drivers License Information
>
> So, you willingly gave them five out of the seven pieces of information
> you are whining about here. I'm sure that your mother's maiden name is
> a government secret. My point- you obviously didn't realize the amount
> of information you gave the rental company, or are just pissed that
> somebody didn't take you at your word when you tried to convince them
> that you could "prove" who you are, or you just have a hard-on for
> cellular companies in general because they make you play by their rules.
>
> You're not the victim of process here, but the reason the process
> exists.
>
You apparently have missed the details of this thread, and perhaps reality,
which is may be why you have no issues with your info being handed out and
entered into every database that comes along. I NEVER said I gave ANY info
to ANY car rental company.
Enjoy life in your ignorant bliss, until of course that day comes when you
hear "your papers do not appear to be in order...."
"prc2u1" <prc2u1@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:mHski.4173$bz7.2261@newssvr22.news.prodigy.ne t...
> ALL THE INFORMATION IS TO PREVENT SOMEONE PRETENDING TO BE YOU! IT IS A
> SAFTY MEASURE FOR YOUR PROTECTION. IF YOU ARE THAT PARANOID USE A
> LANDLINE, BECAUSE WHO KNOWS WHO MIGHT BE LISTENING?
Wow, I am so thankful people are out there trying to protect me..... I
guess I owe them anything they want now....... Thank heavens I do not have
to do anything to protect myself anymore. Man, I was really having a hard
time keeping up with that whole personal responsibility thing..........
>
> "Jackson" <jacksonx@no_spam.z> wrote in message
> news:ubGdnfg8ZbugLwzbnZ2dnUVZ_v2unZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>>
>> "William Michael Greene" <wmg63@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
>> news:xetji.28902$19.22696@bignews5.bellsouth.net.. .
>>>
>>> "Jackson" <jacksonx@no_spam.z> wrote in message
>>> news:kbednVFpT90X2xPbnZ2dnUVZ_sy3nZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>>>>
>>>> "Scott" <how.do@you.do> wrote in message
>>>> news:KNSdneHlNN7GHhDbnZ2dnUVZ_qmpnZ2d@adelphia.com ...
>>>>>d <aqdf@aol.com> wrote in
>>>>>news:468c8ff7$0$31231$4c368faf@roadrunner.com :
>>>>>
>>>>>> Well I was already to get a phone from Cingular and here is what they
>>>>>> said they need from me.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 1)Name
>>>>>
>>>>> OK- so they want to know who they do business with.
>>>>>
>>>>>> 2)Address
>>>>>
>>>>> OK- they want to know where to send the bill.
>>>>>
>>>>>> 3)Credit Card Number
>>>>>
>>>>> How were you planning on paying for the phone?
>>>>>
>>>>>> 4)Social Security Number
>>>>>> 5)Date of Birth
>>>>>
>>>>> They are going to allow you to potentially accrue hundresd of dollars
>>>>> per month in charges- a credit and identity check is appropriate. I
>>>>> could walk into a Cingular store with #'s 1&2 claiming to be you. I
>>>>> don't think you want me racking up a $5000 bill in your name.
>>>>>
>>>>>> 6)Driver's License
>>>>>
>>>>> Verifying the billing address and name- not unusual.
>>>>>
>>>>>> 7)Mother's Maiden Name
>>>>>
>>>>> Part of the credit and identity check.
>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Holy Crap!!!! Of course after this I would also have to sign a two
>>>>>> year contract.
>>>>>
>>>>> Just like all of the advertising says? Imagine that!!
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> What's next... a urine sample?
>>>>>
>>>>> No- more than likely, a National ID card with microchip technology
>>>>> embedded to insure you are who you say you are.
>>>>>
>>>>>> No wonder identity theft is rampant.
>>>>>
>>>>> That's what I was thinking when I saw the list of stuff below you are
>>>>> willing to give them instead.
>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I then told them I would be more than happy to give them a letter of
>>>>>> credit from my bank
>>>>>
>>>>> Can I have one? That, in combination with the ton of publicly
>>>>> accessible information available on you could be a goldmine to
>>>>> someone.
>>>>>
>>>>>> or a letter of credit from my current cell provider
>>>>>> that I've been with for 10 years.
>>>>>
>>>>> Which you won't get - the best that you'll get is a letter saying that
>>>>> your account is currently current.
>>>>>
>>>>>> I could even show them a copy of my
>>>>>> credit score (over 800).
>>>>>
>>>>> So you're willing to show them the same credit report they were going
>>>>> to
>>>>> pull in the first place with the information they requested. They wan
>>>>> to pull it themselves- what's the issue?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> I even told them they could keep my credit card
>>>>>> on record for a security deposit... similar to when you rent a car.
>>>>>> By
>>>>>> the way, I rented a $50,000 Lincoln the other day and they just
>>>>>> needed
>>>>>> a credit card and to see my driver's license.
>>>>>
>>>>> And if you didn't return it, they would have felony law on their side
>>>>> to
>>>>> get it (and you ) back- it's called Grand Teft- Auto.
>>>>>
>>>>>> Well the Cingular service
>>>>>> rep. finally talked to the manager and they said that they would let
>>>>>> me have a phone if I put down a $500 cash deposit and they would give
>>>>>> it back to me after the contract expired.
>>>>>
>>>>> Asking for a deposit from someone hesitant to verify their identity.
>>>>> Sounds like good business to me.
>>>>>
>>>>>> This method they said was less
>>>>>> invasive but it started to sound like they were making this up as we
>>>>>> > got further into it.
>>>>>
>>>>> Nope- SOP for most (if not all ) postpaid carriers.
>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Currently I am on Sprint and have been off contract for six years. I
>>>>>> also have a net10 phone which uses the Cingular Go Phone network.
>>>>>
>>>>> And I've been with one carrier for over seven years. Based on that
>>>>> information, tell me how good a credit risk I am.
>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> At any rate I just wanted to pass this along. I'm sure this is
>>>>>> probably common place for most carriers
>>>>>
>>>>> It is.
>>>>>
>>>>>> but where does invasion of privacy end?
>>>>>
>>>>> What invasion of privacy? You wanted to purchase a phone from them
>>>>> that
>>>>> is capable of amassing hundresd of dollars a month in charges and that
>>>>> they will bill you for. It's not a life requirement to have said
>>>>> phone
>>>>> and they are required to sell it to you. They are allowed, based on
>>>>> their own investigation, to determine if they want to do business with
>>>>> you and the terms by which they are willing to business with you if yo
>>>>> umeet their criteria. Don't like it- find a carrier that won't ask
>>>>> for
>>>>> the same information from a new customer in today's environment of
>>>>> rampant identity theft. Hint- you won't. Eveb Sprint will not
>>>>> activate
>>>>> a new account without the type of verification outlined by you.
>>>>>
>>>>>> I'm sure this will fly right over the head of some.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> As I'm sure my explanation flew over yours.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Sorry Scott, but running up a $5000 cell phone bill using a stolen
>>>> identity is also a felony. I too am offended when asked for that much
>>>> info for a simple transaction, and yes, it does lead top identity theft
>>>> when companies have sloppy data storage practices. Not too long ago TJ
>>>> Maxx had the big data thing. Not to mention that to allow a new
>>>> personal customer to run up a $5000 bill in the first month or so of
>>>> service without following up on it certainly leave the provider with
>>>> questionable business practices.
>>>>
>>>> FWIW - I refused to give the Cingular rep my SSN, or mother's maiden
>>>> name and told them that (after an hour of negotiating a deal) I would
>>>> walk if they really needed that. I did offer to give them credit
>>>> references. After a bit of a back & forth with the rep, he said well
>>>> I'll try to put it through but it may not go. So he did, he had to
>>>> make a call to the Cingular credit Dept where they asked for two credit
>>>> references and the deal was made. So no, they do not need that info to
>>>> do the credit check or start your service. You just need to find a
>>>> sales rep who just won't keep saying 'no it can't be done' like broken
>>>> record or mind-numbed robot. I feel your pain man.
>>>>
>>>> I love how now the procedure is to just ask for the last 4 of the SSN
>>>> to 'unlock' your world as if by not asking for the entire number
>>>> somehow makes it more safe. When will these pinheads learn that no
>>>> matter what you use for an ID it is open to compromise. The best
>>>> solution might be to ask the customer for a 'passcode' that they can
>>>> change every so often if they desire and combine that with a short
>>>> unique randomly generated code that adds to the passcode when set
>>>> up/changed.
>>>>
>>>> Just my 2cents.
>>>
>>>
>>> You complain about the threat of identify theft but don't want to prove
>>> you are who you say you are when buying a cellular phone. Wow. You are
>>> right, no wonder identity theft is so rampant.
>>>
>>
>> I have no problem "proving" who I am when doing a transaction, what I
>> take issue with is the need to enter all my information used to "prove"
>> my identity into the Cingular/ATT (or other) database to then be
>> mismanaged or stolen. Why not just plant a chip in your hand, or tatoo
>> your arm.....
>>
>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>
"Jackson" <jacksonx@no_spam.z> wrote in
news:b7Gdna7oLIiLzQnbnZ2dnUVZ_oqmnZ2d@comcast.com:
>
> "Scott" <how.do@you.do> wrote in message
> news:e4qdnRZWx67SXg_bnZ2dnUVZ_rSinZ2d@adelphia.com ...
>> "Jackson" <jacksonx@no_spam.z> wrote in
>> news:ubGdnfg8ZbugLwzbnZ2dnUVZ_v2unZ2d@comcast.com:
>>
>>>
>>> "William Michael Greene" <wmg63@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
>>> news:xetji.28902$19.22696@bignews5.bellsouth.net.. .
>>>>
>>>> "Jackson" <jacksonx@no_spam.z> wrote in message
>>>> news:kbednVFpT90X2xPbnZ2dnUVZ_sy3nZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>>>>>
>>>>> "Scott" <how.do@you.do> wrote in message
>>>>> news:KNSdneHlNN7GHhDbnZ2dnUVZ_qmpnZ2d@adelphia.com ...
>>>>>>d <aqdf@aol.com> wrote in
>>>>>>news:468c8ff7$0$31231$4c368faf@roadrunner.co m:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Well I was already to get a phone from Cingular and here is what
>>>>>>> they said they need from me.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 1)Name
>>>>>>
>>>>>> OK- so they want to know who they do business with.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 2)Address
>>>>>>
>>>>>> OK- they want to know where to send the bill.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 3)Credit Card Number
>>>>>>
>>>>>> How were you planning on paying for the phone?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 4)Social Security Number
>>>>>>> 5)Date of Birth
>>>>>>
>>>>>> They are going to allow you to potentially accrue hundresd of
>>>>>> dollars per month in charges- a credit and identity check is
>>>>>> appropriate. I could walk into a Cingular store with #'s 1&2
>>>>>> claiming to be you. I don't think you want me racking up a $5000
>>>>>> bill in your name.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 6)Driver's License
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Verifying the billing address and name- not unusual.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 7)Mother's Maiden Name
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Part of the credit and identity check.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Holy Crap!!!! Of course after this I would also have to sign a
>>>>>>> two year contract.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Just like all of the advertising says? Imagine that!!
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> What's next... a urine sample?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> No- more than likely, a National ID card with microchip
>>>>>> technology embedded to insure you are who you say you are.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> No wonder identity theft is rampant.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> That's what I was thinking when I saw the list of stuff below you
>>>>>> are willing to give them instead.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I then told them I would be more than happy to give them a
>>>>>>> letter of credit from my bank
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Can I have one? That, in combination with the ton of publicly
>>>>>> accessible information available on you could be a goldmine to
>>>>>> someone.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> or a letter of credit from my current cell provider
>>>>>>> that I've been with for 10 years.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Which you won't get - the best that you'll get is a letter saying
>>>>>> that your account is currently current.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I could even show them a copy of my
>>>>>>> credit score (over 800).
>>>>>>
>>>>>> So you're willing to show them the same credit report they were
>>>>>> going to pull in the first place with the information they
>>>>>> requested. They wan to pull it themselves- what's the issue?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I even told them they could keep my credit card
>>>>>>> on record for a security deposit... similar to when you rent a
>>>>>>> car. By the way, I rented a $50,000 Lincoln the other day and
>>>>>>> they just needed a credit card and to see my driver's license.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> And if you didn't return it, they would have felony law on their
>>>>>> side to get it (and you ) back- it's called Grand Teft- Auto.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Well the Cingular service
>>>>>>> rep. finally talked to the manager and they said that they would
>>>>>>> let me have a phone if I put down a $500 cash deposit and they
>>>>>>> would give it back to me after the contract expired.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Asking for a deposit from someone hesitant to verify their
>>>>>> identity. Sounds like good business to me.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> This method they said was less
>>>>>>> invasive but it started to sound like they were making this up
>>>>>>> as we
>>>>>>> > got further into it.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Nope- SOP for most (if not all ) postpaid carriers.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Currently I am on Sprint and have been off contract for six
>>>>>>> years. I also have a net10 phone which uses the Cingular Go
>>>>>>> Phone network.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> And I've been with one carrier for over seven years. Based on
>>>>>> that information, tell me how good a credit risk I am.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> At any rate I just wanted to pass this along. I'm sure this is
>>>>>>> probably common place for most carriers
>>>>>>
>>>>>> It is.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> but where does invasion of privacy end?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> What invasion of privacy? You wanted to purchase a phone from
>>>>>> them that is capable of amassing hundresd of dollars a month in
>>>>>> charges and that they will bill you for. It's not a life
>>>>>> requirement to have said phone and they are required to sell it
>>>>>> to you. They are allowed, based on their own investigation, to
>>>>>> determine if they want to do business with you and the terms by
>>>>>> which they are willing to business with you if yo umeet their
>>>>>> criteria. Don't like it- find a carrier that won't ask for the
>>>>>> same information from a new customer in today's environment of
>>>>>> rampant identity theft. Hint- you won't. Eveb Sprint will not
>>>>>> activate a new account without the type of verification outlined
>>>>>> by you.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I'm sure this will fly right over the head of some.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> As I'm sure my explanation flew over yours.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Sorry Scott, but running up a $5000 cell phone bill using a stolen
>>>>> identity is also a felony. I too am offended when asked for that
>>>>> much info for a simple transaction, and yes, it does lead top
>>>>> identity theft when companies have sloppy data storage practices.
>>>>> Not too long ago TJ Maxx had the big data thing. Not to mention
>>>>> that to allow a new personal customer to run up a $5000 bill in
>>>>> the first month or so of service without following up on it
>>>>> certainly leave the provider with questionable business practices.
>>>>>
>>>>> FWIW - I refused to give the Cingular rep my SSN, or mother's
>>>>> maiden name and told them that (after an hour of negotiating a
>>>>> deal) I would walk if they really needed that. I did offer to
>>>>> give them credit references. After a bit of a back & forth with
>>>>> the rep, he said well I'll try to put it through but it may not
>>>>> go. So he did, he had to make a call to the Cingular credit Dept
>>>>> where they asked for two credit references and the deal was made.
>>>>> So no, they do not need that info to do the credit check or start
>>>>> your service. You just need to find a sales rep who just won't
>>>>> keep saying 'no it can't be done' like broken record or
>>>>> mind-numbed robot. I feel your pain man.
>>>>>
>>>>> I love how now the procedure is to just ask for the last 4 of the
>>>>> SSN to 'unlock' your world as if by not asking for the entire
>>>>> number somehow makes it more safe. When will these pinheads learn
>>>>> that no matter what you use for an ID it is open to compromise.
>>>>> The best solution might be to ask the customer for a 'passcode'
>>>>> that they can change every so often if they desire and combine
>>>>> that with a short unique randomly generated code that adds to the
>>>>> passcode when set up/changed.
>>>>>
>>>>> Just my 2cents.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> You complain about the threat of identify theft but don't want to
>>>> prove you are who you say you are when buying a cellular phone.
>>>> Wow. You are right, no wonder identity theft is so rampant.
>>>>
>>>
>>> I have no problem "proving" who I am when doing a transaction, what
>>> I take issue with is the need to enter all my information used to
>>> "prove" my identity into the Cingular/ATT (or other) database to
>>> then be mismanaged or stolen. Why not just plant a chip in your
>>> hand, or tatoo your arm.....
>>>
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>> But wait a minute, Skippy- let's look at the evidence here. You said
>> you had no problem in giving your drivers license info and CC# to a
>> car rental agency. By doing so, you gave them your:
>>
>> Name
>> Address
>> Date of Birth
>> Credit Card Number
>> Other Drivers License Information
>>
>> So, you willingly gave them five out of the seven pieces of
>> information you are whining about here. I'm sure that your mother's
>> maiden name is a government secret. My point- you obviously didn't
>> realize the amount of information you gave the rental company, or are
>> just pissed that somebody didn't take you at your word when you tried
>> to convince them that you could "prove" who you are, or you just have
>> a hard-on for cellular companies in general because they make you
>> play by their rules.
>>
>> You're not the victim of process here, but the reason the process
>> exists.
>>
>
> You apparently have missed the details of this thread, and perhaps
> reality, which is may be why you have no issues with your info being
> handed out and entered into every database that comes along.
Now you're projecting- I never said anything of the sort. I will admit
that I don't exist under the same cloud of frightened paranoia that you
have exhibited here.
> I NEVER
> said I gave ANY info to ANY car rental company.
You're right- I confused you with the OP. It was an honest enough
mistake, as you both seem to be cut from the same cloth.
And you're right- you'd never be able to rent a car with your definition
of identity validation- what was I thinking?
>
> Enjoy life in your ignorant bliss, until of course that day comes when
> you hear "your papers do not appear to be in order...."
>
>
On Fri, 06 Jul 2007 09:41:35 -0400, Jackson <jacksonx@no_spam.z> wrote:
>
> "Scott" <how.do@you.do> wrote in message
> news:KNSdneHlNN7GHhDbnZ2dnUVZ_qmpnZ2d@adelphia.com ...
>> d <aqdf@aol.com> wrote in news:468c8ff7$0$31231$4c368faf@roadrunner.com:
>>
>>> Well I was already to get a phone from Cingular and here is what they
>>> said they need from me.
>>>
>>> 1)Name
>>
>> OK- so they want to know who they do business with.
>>
>>> 2)Address
>>
>> OK- they want to know where to send the bill.
>>
>>> 3)Credit Card Number
>>
>> How were you planning on paying for the phone?
>>
>>> 4)Social Security Number
>>> 5)Date of Birth
>>
>> They are going to allow you to potentially accrue hundresd of dollars
>> per month in charges- a credit and identity check is appropriate. I
>> could walk into a Cingular store with #'s 1&2 claiming to be you. I
>> don't think you want me racking up a $5000 bill in your name.
>>
>>> 6)Driver's License
>>
>> Verifying the billing address and name- not unusual.
>>
>>> 7)Mother's Maiden Name
>>
>> Part of the credit and identity check.
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Holy Crap!!!! Of course after this I would also have to sign a two
>>> year contract.
>>
>> Just like all of the advertising says? Imagine that!!
>>
>>
>>
>>> What's next... a urine sample?
>>
>> No- more than likely, a National ID card with microchip technology
>> embedded to insure you are who you say you are.
>>
>>> No wonder identity theft is rampant.
>>
>> That's what I was thinking when I saw the list of stuff below you are
>> willing to give them instead.
>>
>>>
>>> I then told them I would be more than happy to give them a letter of
>>> credit from my bank
>>
>> Can I have one? That, in combination with the ton of publicly
>> accessible information available on you could be a goldmine to someone.
>>
>>> or a letter of credit from my current cell provider
>>> that I've been with for 10 years.
>>
>> Which you won't get - the best that you'll get is a letter saying that
>> your account is currently current.
>>
>>> I could even show them a copy of my
>>> credit score (over 800).
>>
>> So you're willing to show them the same credit report they were going to
>> pull in the first place with the information they requested. They wan
>> to pull it themselves- what's the issue?
>>
>>
>>> I even told them they could keep my credit card
>>> on record for a security deposit... similar to when you rent a car. By
>>> the way, I rented a $50,000 Lincoln the other day and they just needed
>>> a credit card and to see my driver's license.
>>
>> And if you didn't return it, they would have felony law on their side to
>> get it (and you ) back- it's called Grand Teft- Auto.
>>
>>> Well the Cingular service
>>> rep. finally talked to the manager and they said that they would let
>>> me have a phone if I put down a $500 cash deposit and they would give
>>> it back to me after the contract expired.
>>
>> Asking for a deposit from someone hesitant to verify their identity.
>> Sounds like good business to me.
>>
>>> This method they said was less
>>> invasive but it started to sound like they were making this up as we
>>> > got further into it.
>>
>> Nope- SOP for most (if not all ) postpaid carriers.
>>
>>>
>>> Currently I am on Sprint and have been off contract for six years. I
>>> also have a net10 phone which uses the Cingular Go Phone network.
>>
>> And I've been with one carrier for over seven years. Based on that
>> information, tell me how good a credit risk I am.
>>
>>>
>>> At any rate I just wanted to pass this along. I'm sure this is
>>> probably common place for most carriers
>>
>> It is.
>>
>>> but where does invasion of privacy end?
>>
>> What invasion of privacy? You wanted to purchase a phone from them that
>> is capable of amassing hundresd of dollars a month in charges and that
>> they will bill you for. It's not a life requirement to have said phone
>> and they are required to sell it to you. They are allowed, based on
>> their own investigation, to determine if they want to do business with
>> you and the terms by which they are willing to business with you if yo
>> umeet their criteria. Don't like it- find a carrier that won't ask for
>> the same information from a new customer in today's environment of
>> rampant identity theft. Hint- you won't. Eveb Sprint will not activate
>> a new account without the type of verification outlined by you.
>>
>>> I'm sure this will fly right over the head of some.
>>>
>>
>> As I'm sure my explanation flew over yours.
>>
>
> Sorry Scott, but running up a $5000 cell phone bill using a stolen
> identity
> is also a felony. I too am offended when asked for that much info for a
> simple transaction, and yes, it does lead top identity theft when
> companies
> have sloppy data storage practices. Not too long ago TJ Maxx had the big
> data thing. Not to mention that to allow a new personal customer to run
> up
> a $5000 bill in the first month or so of service without following up on
> it
> certainly leave the provider with questionable business practices.
>
> FWIW - I refused to give the Cingular rep my SSN, or mother's maiden name
> and told them that (after an hour of negotiating a deal) I would walk if
> they really needed that. I did offer to give them credit references.
> After
> a bit of a back & forth with the rep, he said well I'll try to put it
> through but it may not go. So he did, he had to make a call to the
> Cingular
> credit Dept where they asked for two credit references and the deal was
> made. So no, they do not need that info to do the credit check or start
> your service. You just need to find a sales rep who just won't keep
> saying
> 'no it can't be done' like broken record or mind-numbed robot. I feel
> your
> pain man.
>
> I love how now the procedure is to just ask for the last 4 of the SSN to
> 'unlock' your world as if by not asking for the entire number somehow
> makes
> it more safe. When will these pinheads learn that no matter what you use
> for an ID it is open to compromise. The best solution might be to ask
> the
> customer for a 'passcode' that they can change every so often if they
> desire
> and combine that with a short unique randomly generated code that adds to
> the passcode when set up/changed.
>
> Just my 2cents.
>
>
From the US Social Security website
<http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10002.html#protect>:
How can I protect my Social Security number?
You should treat your Social Security number as confidential information
and avoid giving it out unnecessarily. You should keep your Social
Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not
carry it with you unless you need to show it to an employer or service
provider.
We do several things to protect your number from misuse. For example, we
require and carefully inspect proof of identity from people who apply to
replace lost or stolen Social Security cards, or for corrected cards. One
reason we do this is to prevent people from fraudulently obtaining Social
Security numbers to establish false identities. We maintain the privacy of
Social Security records unless:
The law requires us to disclose information to another government agency;
or
Your information is needed to conduct Social Security or other government
health or welfare program business.
You should be very careful about sharing your number and card to protect
against misuse of your number. 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 happens if you refuse; and
What law requires you to give your number.
The answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to give
your Social Security number. The decision is yours
>
> "Scott" <how.do@you.do> wrote in message
> news:e4qdnRZWx67SXg_bnZ2dnUVZ_rSinZ2d@adelphia.com ...
>> "Jackson" <jacksonx@no_spam.z> wrote in
>> news:ubGdnfg8ZbugLwzbnZ2dnUVZ_v2unZ2d@comcast.com:
>>
>>>
>>> "William Michael Greene" <wmg63@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
>>> news:xetji.28902$19.22696@bignews5.bellsouth.net.. .
>>>>
>>>> "Jackson" <jacksonx@no_spam.z> wrote in message
>>>> news:kbednVFpT90X2xPbnZ2dnUVZ_sy3nZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>>>>>
>>>>> "Scott" <how.do@you.do> wrote in message
>>>>> news:KNSdneHlNN7GHhDbnZ2dnUVZ_qmpnZ2d@adelphia.com ...
>>>>>> d <aqdf@aol.com> wrote in
>>>>>> news:468c8ff7$0$31231$4c368faf@roadrunner.com:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Well I was already to get a phone from Cingular and here is what
>>>>>>> they said they need from me.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 1)Name
>>>>>>
>>>>>> OK- so they want to know who they do business with.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 2)Address
>>>>>>
>>>>>> OK- they want to know where to send the bill.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 3)Credit Card Number
>>>>>>
>>>>>> How were you planning on paying for the phone?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 4)Social Security Number
>>>>>>> 5)Date of Birth
>>>>>>
>>>>>> They are going to allow you to potentially accrue hundresd of
>>>>>> dollars per month in charges- a credit and identity check is
>>>>>> appropriate. I could walk into a Cingular store with #'s 1&2
>>>>>> claiming to be you. I don't think you want me racking up a $5000
>>>>>> bill in your name.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 6)Driver's License
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Verifying the billing address and name- not unusual.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 7)Mother's Maiden Name
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Part of the credit and identity check.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Holy Crap!!!! Of course after this I would also have to sign a two
>>>>>>> year contract.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Just like all of the advertising says? Imagine that!!
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> What's next... a urine sample?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> No- more than likely, a National ID card with microchip technology
>>>>>> embedded to insure you are who you say you are.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> No wonder identity theft is rampant.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> That's what I was thinking when I saw the list of stuff below you
>>>>>> are willing to give them instead.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I then told them I would be more than happy to give them a letter
>>>>>>> of credit from my bank
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Can I have one? That, in combination with the ton of publicly
>>>>>> accessible information available on you could be a goldmine to
>>>>>> someone.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> or a letter of credit from my current cell provider
>>>>>>> that I've been with for 10 years.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Which you won't get - the best that you'll get is a letter saying
>>>>>> that your account is currently current.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I could even show them a copy of my
>>>>>>> credit score (over 800).
>>>>>>
>>>>>> So you're willing to show them the same credit report they were
>>>>>> going to pull in the first place with the information they
>>>>>> requested. They wan to pull it themselves- what's the issue?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I even told them they could keep my credit card
>>>>>>> on record for a security deposit... similar to when you rent a
>>>>>>> car. By the way, I rented a $50,000 Lincoln the other day and they
>>>>>>> just needed a credit card and to see my driver's license.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> And if you didn't return it, they would have felony law on their
>>>>>> side to get it (and you ) back- it's called Grand Teft- Auto.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Well the Cingular service
>>>>>>> rep. finally talked to the manager and they said that they would
>>>>>>> let me have a phone if I put down a $500 cash deposit and they
>>>>>>> would give it back to me after the contract expired.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Asking for a deposit from someone hesitant to verify their
>>>>>> identity. Sounds like good business to me.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> This method they said was less
>>>>>>> invasive but it started to sound like they were making this up as
>>>>>>> we
>>>>>>>> got further into it.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Nope- SOP for most (if not all ) postpaid carriers.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Currently I am on Sprint and have been off contract for six years.
>>>>>>> I also have a net10 phone which uses the Cingular Go Phone
>>>>>>> network.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> And I've been with one carrier for over seven years. Based on that
>>>>>> information, tell me how good a credit risk I am.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> At any rate I just wanted to pass this along. I'm sure this is
>>>>>>> probably common place for most carriers
>>>>>>
>>>>>> It is.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> but where does invasion of privacy end?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> What invasion of privacy? You wanted to purchase a phone from them
>>>>>> that is capable of amassing hundresd of dollars a month in charges
>>>>>> and that they will bill you for. It's not a life requirement to
>>>>>> have said phone and they are required to sell it to you. They are
>>>>>> allowed, based on their own investigation, to determine if they
>>>>>> want to do business with you and the terms by which they are
>>>>>> willing to business with you if yo umeet their criteria. Don't
>>>>>> like it- find a carrier that won't ask for the same information
>>>>>> from a new customer in today's environment of rampant identity
>>>>>> theft. Hint- you won't. Eveb Sprint will not activate a new
>>>>>> account without the type of verification outlined by you.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I'm sure this will fly right over the head of some.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> As I'm sure my explanation flew over yours.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Sorry Scott, but running up a $5000 cell phone bill using a stolen
>>>>> identity is also a felony. I too am offended when asked for that
>>>>> much info for a simple transaction, and yes, it does lead top
>>>>> identity theft when companies have sloppy data storage practices.
>>>>> Not too long ago TJ Maxx had the big data thing. Not to mention
>>>>> that to allow a new personal customer to run up a $5000 bill in the
>>>>> first month or so of service without following up on it certainly
>>>>> leave the provider with questionable business practices.
>>>>>
>>>>> FWIW - I refused to give the Cingular rep my SSN, or mother's maiden
>>>>> name and told them that (after an hour of negotiating a deal) I
>>>>> would walk if they really needed that. I did offer to give them
>>>>> credit references. After a bit of a back & forth with the rep, he
>>>>> said well I'll try to put it through but it may not go. So he did,
>>>>> he had to make a call to the Cingular credit Dept where they asked
>>>>> for two credit references and the deal was made. So no, they do not
>>>>> need that info to do the credit check or start your service. You
>>>>> just need to find a sales rep who just won't keep saying 'no it
>>>>> can't be done' like broken record or mind-numbed robot. I feel your
>>>>> pain man.
>>>>>
>>>>> I love how now the procedure is to just ask for the last 4 of the
>>>>> SSN to 'unlock' your world as if by not asking for the entire
>>>>> number somehow makes it more safe. When will these pinheads learn
>>>>> that no matter what you use for an ID it is open to compromise. The
>>>>> best solution might be to ask the customer for a 'passcode' that
>>>>> they can change every so often if they desire and combine that with
>>>>> a short unique randomly generated code that adds to the passcode
>>>>> when set up/changed.
>>>>>
>>>>> Just my 2cents.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> You complain about the threat of identify theft but don't want to
>>>> prove you are who you say you are when buying a cellular phone. Wow.
>>>> You are right, no wonder identity theft is so rampant.
>>>>
>>>
>>> I have no problem "proving" who I am when doing a transaction, what I
>>> take issue with is the need to enter all my information used to
>>> "prove" my identity into the Cingular/ATT (or other) database to then
>>> be mismanaged or stolen. Why not just plant a chip in your hand, or
>>> tatoo your arm.....
>>>
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>> But wait a minute, Skippy- let's look at the evidence here. You said
>> you had no problem in giving your drivers license info and CC# to a car
>> rental agency. By doing so, you gave them your:
>>
>> Name
>> Address
>> Date of Birth
>> Credit Card Number
>> Other Drivers License Information
>>
>> So, you willingly gave them five out of the seven pieces of information
>> you are whining about here. I'm sure that your mother's maiden name is
>> a government secret. My point- you obviously didn't realize the amount
>> of information you gave the rental company, or are just pissed that
>> somebody didn't take you at your word when you tried to convince them
>> that you could "prove" who you are, or you just have a hard-on for
>> cellular companies in general because they make you play by their rules.
>>
>> You're not the victim of process here, but the reason the process
>> exists.
>>
>
> You apparently have missed the details of this thread, and perhaps reality,
> which is may be why you have no issues with your info being handed out and
> entered into every database that comes along. I NEVER said I gave ANY info
> to ANY car rental company.
>
> Enjoy life in your ignorant bliss, until of course that day comes when you
> hear "your papers do not appear to be in order...."
>
>
Must you quote EVERY gawdam thing?!? 10K? ****, man!
Any ever refer to you as "anal"?
> "prc2u1" <prc2u1@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
> news:mHski.4173$bz7.2261@newssvr22.news.prodigy.ne t...
>> ALL THE INFORMATION IS TO PREVENT SOMEONE PRETENDING TO BE YOU! IT IS A
>> SAFTY MEASURE FOR YOUR PROTECTION. IF YOU ARE THAT PARANOID USE A
>> LANDLINE, BECAUSE WHO KNOWS WHO MIGHT BE LISTENING?
>
> Wow, I am so thankful people are out there trying to protect me..... I
> guess I owe them anything they want now....... Thank heavens I do not have
> to do anything to protect myself anymore. Man, I was really having a hard
> time keeping up with that whole personal responsibility thing..........
>
>
>>
>> "Jackson" <jacksonx@no_spam.z> wrote in message
>> news:ubGdnfg8ZbugLwzbnZ2dnUVZ_v2unZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>>>
<10K of retentive usless ******** snipped>
On Jul 5, 4:30 am, d <a...@aol.com> wrote:
> Well I was already to get a phone from Cingular and here is what they
> said they need from me.
>
> 1)Name
> 2)Address
> 3)CreditCard Number
> 4)Social Security Number
> 5)Date of Birth
> 6)Driver's License
> 7)Mother's Maiden Name
>
> Holy Crap!!!! Of course after this I would also have to sign a two year
> contract. What's next... a urine sample? No wonder identity theft is
> rampant.
>
> I then told them I would be more than happy to give them a letter ofcreditfrom my bank or a letter ofcreditfrom my current cell provider
> that I've been with for 10 years. I could even show them a copy of mycreditscore (over 800). I even told them they could keep mycreditcard
> on record for a security deposit... similar to when you rent a car. By
> the way, I rented a $50,000 Lincoln the other day and they just needed acreditcard and to see my driver's license. Well the Cingular service
> rep. finally talked to the manager and they said that they would let me
> have a phone if I put down a $500 cash deposit and they would give it
> back to me after the contract expired. This method they said was less
> invasive but it started to sound like they were making this up as we got
> further into it.
>
> Currently I am on Sprint and have been off contract for six years. I
> also have a net10 phone which uses the Cingular Go Phone network.
>
> At any rate I just wanted to pass this along. I'm sure this is probably
> common place for most carriers but where does invasion ofprivacyend?
> I'm sure this will fly right over the head of some.
weird, I had a cingular phone 2 year contract with no ssn or credit
card for a long time, this must be part of the n00b AT&T
So here's my experience today at Cingular... 
Linear Mode
