[Avista]

What do younthink about the necessity of giving your SS number to contractors such as Dish and Direct TV?

[tucson]

I would'nt.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

I believe various businesses ask for it in order to run a credit check.

Bill

[rayschic]

Originally Posted by Avista

What do younthink about the necessity of giving your SS number to contractors such as Dish and Direct TV?

I would NEVER give out my SS # to one of these companies.

[Jullie]

I never never give out my SS to any of the companies.

[asianthree]

they didn't ask

[784caroline]

How about Dr office when you are siging up as a new patient???

If you dont give it, they say the Dr will not see you!!

[rayschic]

Even they do not NEED your SS# You have your medical insurance card which gives a group number and member ID. That's all they need to verify your insurance.

[blueash]

I never give my SS# to a doctor's office and I have never been refused service. You could always tell them you don't know it. If they need a fill in the blank 9 digit number for their computer I simply suggest using any random number they like.

[villager]

The reason you are asked for your social security number is so they can easily file a collection claim against you if you don't pay your obligation.

[sjdjmd]

I would never give my SS # to a company like Dish, etc. I recently learned that you do not have to give your SS # to a doctor, dentist, etc. because as someone stated above, your insurance card as the required info.

[Shanrius]

Originally Posted by Avista

What do younthink about the necessity of giving your SS number to contractors such as Dish and Direct TV?

When it comes to Dish and DirectTV service, they require your SS# due to the fact that the installation equipment on average is about $1,200 dollars and a Credit check is required to make sure you will pay or have the means to pay for the services rendered. This is a common pratice nowadays for many companies because most things revolve around credit. The Purpose of a SS# is to identify you as well as for credit. So to answer your question, As long as i knew that my information was safe and secure i would provide it to them just so i could utilize the services they offer.

[Tom Grooms]

Lots of paranoia in this thread. What's the harm in giving it up to a reputable business?

[paulandjean]

Never give out your SS number. Ask anyone in law enforcement,and I bet they would say never. If you trust some cable company with your number -go ahead.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by Shanrius

When it comes to Dish and DirectTV service, they require your SS# due to the fact that the installation equipment on average is about $1,200 dollars and a Credit check is required to make sure you will pay or have the means to pay for the services rendered. This is a common pratice nowadays for many companies because most things revolve around credit. The Purpose of a SS# is to identify you as well as for credit. So to answer your question, As long as i knew that my information was safe and secure i would provide it to them just so i could utilize the services they offer.

but I use discretion on certain comapnies. I find it's easier to call them and when they ask for your account number and I don't have it handy, they alternately ask for your social security number.

As long as it safe. I also check my account frequently for suspicious activity such as credit cards..