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These folks require that you give them your S.S. number to open a store account. I have been told that it is illegal for a store to do so.

I have had and do have various store accounts, Penney's, Mervyn's ect. None have ever required S.S. numbers to open an account with them.

They just insist when I complain it is illegal and won't open without it.

I tried to get in touch with their customer service department, and just like the store personnel, they like robots repeat the same mantra that they cannot tell who I am for sure without my giving them my S.S. number

Location: Half Moon Bay, California

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Hatsue Hww

I agree this is completely inappropriate. I went to Kohls today and as soon as I got up to the cashier I was asked about opening an account.

They really push the amount I would have saved today-$35.00.

I declined , pointing out I don't want to give my SSN. Sometimes money is the smallest price to pay!!

Guest

@oldfart2413 - You need to go troll somewhere else and stop trying to act all high and mighty. Better yet, you sound like you'd be better off at Wal-Mart!

Guest

Most companies require a social security number to check credit.

@lucy23, are you a Kohls employee? If you are you need to retake the customer service class. Hopefully it ill give insight to your poor choice of words and attitude.

Guest

Most companies require a social security number to check credit.

@lucy23, are you a Kohls employee? If you are you need to retake the customer service class. Hopefully it ill give insight to your poor choice of words and attitude.

Guest

@dak - You are incorrect and I suggest you find the source that backs up your false claim about it being illegal to use a SS# as an identification number.

The Social Security Administration only issues "warnings" about it, but there is no law that specifically states that companies cannot use the SS# as a means of identification. It is up to the consumer to determine whether or not they want to provide their SS#. If they refuse, then the company has to inform them the consequences of not providing their SS# as a means of identification (i.e. denial of credit, refusal to provide account information, denial of other services, etc).

Source: Social Security Administration (www.ssa.gov)

Guest

It is illegal to use a SS# as an Identification number, but a store can ask for a SS# for a credit check.

Guest

Give us a friggin' break! How do you expect Kohl's to open up a credit card in your name without accessing your credit report first, which REQUIRES your SSN?

When you buy a car, how do you think they get access to your credit report? You think they just mysteriously wave a magic wand and it appears right before their eyes?

Guest

What are you talking about? Using a SSN number is PERFECTLY LEGAL.

It is a identifying factor and a fraud protect in the United States. You can't even open gas cards without it.

Get your facts straight, ***.

Guest

I want to open my first Kohl's credit card accout.

Guest

You are opening up a CREDIT card with the store... Should you not expect them to access your credit information? Using the SS number is a quick manner in which to do so...I'm not sure about Mervyns but JcPenney requests the same information as do most other department stores...d

Lucy Vuj

The only reason we use your s.s. to open your account is for YOUR convenience.

If you want to use your card and you don't have it, we can look it up for you using your s.s. Customers complain a lot about what we do, but it's ALL for the customer, so please take into consideration the hard work the employees go through just to make *** customers happy!

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Lucy Vuj

In requiring a SSN you are actively discriminating against the millions of LEGAL US residents who are not entitled to have a SSN. All the dependents of valid working visa holders, for example.

This a case of discrimination, and violates the state laws of a number of states, in particular California.

We're suing. Good luck :-)

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1134523

That is *** I use to teach ESL to foreign PhD students at a large university. None of them had a SSN (obviously) but all still were able to open bank accounts, take out loans, apply for credit cards/debit cards, etc.

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