They want my SSN

Submitted by Sven on Fri, 07/17/2009 - 06:45
Forums

Experian wants my SSN along with other things to prove my identity for unauthorized inquiry removal. Someone here said that you should not give it to them. But they won't do it without/ So, is that ok to send it?

Hi Sven

Some companies might refuse to work with you if you do not provide them your social security number. However, you are not legally required to give it to them even if they ask for it. IMO, you may ask them if any other id would do? Maybe the executive or concerned individual is not aware of the rules. You could seek appointment with the manager and have a talk regarding this.

A private business can ask for your SSN if you are involved in any transaction involving a notification from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or if you are involved in a transaction that is bound by the rules of Federal Customer Identification Program.

Fri, 07/17/2009 - 09:28 Permalink

Hi,

I meant Experian. So it's not jsut "any" business. I don't mean the companies that did the inquiries.

I don't think they will do it without. They sent me a standard letter explaining their rules. I just don't see why Experian needs my SSN. They did everything else ( all the other disputes) without my SNN. My is the removing of inquiries to them more important ( it seems ) than anything else?

Fri, 07/17/2009 - 17:43 Permalink

Sven

By some companies I meant to say Experian might be one of them. I was giving you a general picture. Like I have mentioned earlier, you are not legally bound to provide your SSN to them. If that means you do not want to work with them you can move to another company or first have a discussion with the concerned individual about this matter or see higher authorities in the company regarding the same.

If Experian is strict about the SSN and wouldn't work without it, then I'm afraid you will have to oblige unless you want to shift to another company that won't ask for your SSN.

Sat, 07/18/2009 - 11:10 Permalink

Most credit agencies will ask for your social security number. Usually though they will ask you to enter a valid credit card number that bears your name on the account. After that they will generally ask you security questions. One I recently got was Your home mortgage is through what company. They then went on to list four. We do not have a mortgage but a home equity and so I aswered none and it left me veiw my report.
I was glad for a question like that. Sometimes the general ones would be too easy for a hacker. Have you tried calling them? They are generally a safe business. If you still feel uncomfortable then you can do as Carol suggests and ask to provide another form of ID.

Sat, 07/18/2009 - 12:52 Permalink

Well, I just think it's weird that they want it now.

I can't do it online. I have to send them a letter. I think it would be safer online than having your SSN on a peice of peper. I guess I'll just have to do it then.

Sat, 07/18/2009 - 16:22 Permalink

Probaly. Just do it and have it over with. They are generally a safe agency. The also may be wanting to make sure no identity fraud is going on. It is really out of control lately.

Tue, 07/21/2009 - 01:33 Permalink

I guess I'll just have to do it then.

Yes do it since it seems you have no plans to move away from this company. I agree with Firey on the fraud issue. Every company is becoming wary and extra careful when dealing with individual debtors just like the debtors are becoming extra cautious about the companies. It is a mutual process you see.

Tue, 07/21/2009 - 12:25 Permalink

Experian really is a reputable company. Just think if someone was actually trying to steal you ID. Would your have wanted them to give them the info without having your Social security number. So many places require it now. When I call my banks automated system that is one of the first things I have to enter in. Unemployment office and others want it to. I hope you can rest assured they only want it for identification reasons. I believe thats why.

Tue, 07/21/2009 - 12:43 Permalink