AT&T Requiring Social Security Number
Hi:
We went in today to purchase an iPhone from our local AT&T store. As we were going through the checkout process, the clerk asked for my social security number (in a crowded store). He was very polite, but stated that a SSN was absolutely required for us to get service with AT&T and my employer discount. We ended up cancelling the purchase over this issue.
Is this request for a SSN legitimate? Many sources warn against giving out SSNs to commercial businesses that are not your employer or bank.
Is this just a local store policy, or is this true of all of AT&T?
If so, does just AT&T require SSNs, or do all cell phone providers? I don’t remember giving my SSN to Verizon, but that was over 10 years ago and I’m sure I’ve become more cognizant of not giving out my SSN for non-essential purposes in the intervening decade.
Can one purchase an AT&T plan from your local Apple store? If so, does Apple require a SSN?
If this is true, why does AT&T require it? I provided my driver’s license, employer ID, and can give multiple credit card numbers. Given the high recent concern and publicity over identity theft, this seems, at least from my limited perspective, like an unnecessary and risky request from AT&T’s perspective.
Answers to any of the above would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
We went in today to purchase an iPhone from our local AT&T store. As we were going through the checkout process, the clerk asked for my social security number (in a crowded store). He was very polite, but stated that a SSN was absolutely required for us to get service with AT&T and my employer discount. We ended up cancelling the purchase over this issue.
Is this request for a SSN legitimate? Many sources warn against giving out SSNs to commercial businesses that are not your employer or bank.
Is this just a local store policy, or is this true of all of AT&T?
If so, does just AT&T require SSNs, or do all cell phone providers? I don’t remember giving my SSN to Verizon, but that was over 10 years ago and I’m sure I’ve become more cognizant of not giving out my SSN for non-essential purposes in the intervening decade.
Can one purchase an AT&T plan from your local Apple store? If so, does Apple require a SSN?
If this is true, why does AT&T require it? I provided my driver’s license, employer ID, and can give multiple credit card numbers. Given the high recent concern and publicity over identity theft, this seems, at least from my limited perspective, like an unnecessary and risky request from AT&T’s perspective.
Answers to any of the above would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
