Originally Posted by
YCTTSFM
According to one federal identity theft advice line, a SS# is for use by the IRS only and may NOT be required as ID by private businesses. I have successfully opened a cell phone account as well as other commercial relationships where they strenuously insisted they HAD to have my SS#, but eventually caved when I stood my ground. Good credit rating helps.
How persistent is your kitty?
Do you realize when they "caved" they just pulled your credit report using your name/address and on that report it listed your social security number? They wanted you to provide it to make sure they pulled the correct report (and it really was you), in the end, they still have your social security number.