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Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!we13!ihnp4!inuxc!iuvax!wickart
From: wickart@iuvax.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.consumers
Subject: Re: CONOCO requested my SSN to issue a c
Message-ID: <12700001@iuvax.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 26-Apr-84 15:03:00 EST
Article-I.D.: iuvax.12700001
Posted: Thu Apr 26 15:03:00 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 28-Apr-84 09:28:54 EST
References: <525@ut-ngp.UUCP>
Lines: 19
Nf-ID: #R:ut-ngp:-52500:iuvax:12700001:000:1148
Nf-From: iuvax!wickart    Apr 26 15:03:00 1984


I have had this problem with a variety of outfits from the IN auto
license bureau to pizza delivery flunkies. On applications, I simply
in the SSN space with "not applicable"; I have never been denied
on this basis. In person, I ask to see the person's authorization to
require the number, and refuse to give it until then. I do offer
alternatives, as a vendor is entitled to ID to establish your identity,
but cannot require the SSN as part of that. Most places are quite
happy with my driver's license # and/or a major credit card #. Several
places around here have cleaned up their acts, apparently worried
about the possibility of lawsuit. Only once have I had to explain
legal ramifications to the next level of authority. My wife and I
have obtained three jobs and six different credit cards without giving
the SSN (a prospective employer isn't entitled to the # until you're
hired). I would like to hear how such things have worked for others
out in net-land, as I teach privacy, security, and rights in most of
my CS courses. Please send mail, and I will summarize for the net.
Thanks,
T.F. Prune  (alais Bill Wickart, ihnp4!iuvax!wickart)