We want to buy an iPhone for me and a blackberry for hubby... How can we do it without social security number?

What makes you think you have to have SS number to buy a phone?

If you have to then there is a way to get both prepaid. It would be cheaper and easier to do with a plan though. And like cardinal above me, what makes you think you need a social security #?

I too don’t understand why you would need to give your social security number to get an iPhone….

I know they might use it to do a credit check. How have you come about this information?

They do use the social security number to do a credit check. Your best bet is to ask, but I suspect the answer will be a hefty deposit.

I don’t think you will need a social security number.

Whoa whoa whoa babe, why the lack of SNN?

Cardinal, when we try to check out at the internet page of att we are being asked a SSN, and Elumas, why people don’t have SSN? check out some of my other questions, you’ll find out.

Oh, I’m sorry, that sounded kinda intrusive. Forgive me.

@2late2be – you might check out an AT&T store instead of using the website, I would guess a sales guy/gal would know what needs to be done with or without a SSN. Either way, you and your husband could get it done in an hour or so and probably walk out with the phones.

I don’t know what part of town you’re in but you can find the local stores using their find a store feature.

If you’d rather not head in without an answer, give them a call and see what your options are. It has to be a fairly common question they’ll know how to deal with.

Perhaps if you’re in the sort of trouble that you can’t give AT&T your social security number, an iPhone is the least of your concerns..

Or if you can’t get to a store, I would recommend calling them. You can talk to a human and at least get a better idea of what things cost, or whether or not you need a ssn.

I think they want your social security number. Cos everytime i call ATT for my girls iphone they verify the last 4 of her social. And I am Tmobile and have a blackberry they also do the same.

But i found a back dated article
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-10115601-233.html

regarding the iphone requiring social security #. Although i also read this.

4. I tried to open a new account with a private business, but the business requires my Social Security number. They say they will not do business with me without the number. I do not want to give it out. What are my rights?

Usually you are not legally compelled to provide your Social Security number to private businesses unless you are involved in a transaction in which the Internal Revenue Service requires notification. The Patriot Act requires financial institutions to verify customers’ identities, which can involve the SSN.

There is no law, however, that prevents businesses from requesting your SSN, and there are few restrictions on what businesses can do with it. But even though you are not legally required to disclose your SSN, the business does not have to provide you with service if you refuse to release it. So in a sense, you are strong-armed into giving your SSN. This is often the case when applying for insurance and opening utility accounts.

But don’t give up. Be sure to ask if there is an alternate number that you can provide to the company, such as your driver’s license number. Also ask if you can provide a deposit rather than giving your SSN to the company.

For more information and on advice for dealing with these situations see Fact Sheet 10 www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs10-ssn.htm