Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!motcid!schultz From: schultz@motcid.UUCP (Rob Schultz) Newsgroups: comp.org.eff.talk Subject: Re: Social Security numbers Message-ID: <4436@catfish10.UUCP> Date: 31 Jan 91 16:05:10 GMT References: <4611@orchid12.UUCP> Organization: Motorola Inc., Cellular Infrastructure Div., Arlington Heights, IL Lines: 31 In <4611@orchid12.UUCP> ellis@motcid.UUCP (John T Ellis) writes: >Personally, I am frightened by the present and future prospects of the use and >abuse of the SS#. However, in order to live in today's society, (ie. use the >services available) I must allow my SS# to be used. Therefore, I am very >discriminate with how I use this number. I have removed the number from my >Drivers License and checks. I no longer write down the number for credit card >companies, check cashing cards or other "consumer" services. Rather, I give >them a credit card number. Whoa, John!! You give out your credit card numbers when not making a purchase with them? Most merchants in this area do not force you to give your numbers, if you are sufficiently adamant about it. In fact, I have even stopped carying credit cards with me. When I make a purchase by check, and they ask for a CC, I tell them I do not carry them, because if I carry them, I use them. They usually smile at that, and ask if I have any other forms of ID. Naturally, I show them my Motorola ID, library card, Blockbuster video club card, health club card, any thing else which has my name and possibly address on it. Generally speaking, I do not give out any of my personal information. I am loathe to give out my phone number, although since my number is not unlisted, it is easy to get. My checks have my name, address, and bank account and routing information on them. No phone, no SSN, no CC#'s, etc. -- Rob Schultz +1 708 632 2875 Motorola General Systems Sector schultz@motcid.rtsg.mot.com 3209 North Wilke Road ...!uunet!motcid!schultz Arlington Heights, IL 60004 All appropriate disclaimers apply.