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ames83's avatar

Is it right for credit card companies to ask for your social security number so that you can opt out of receiving credit offers?

Asked by ames83 (80points) October 21st, 2009

I receive way too many credit offers. I usually just tear them up and throw them away. But it’s such a waste of paper and it really annoys me. I looked at one American Express one and at the bottom it says…“You can choose to stop receiving “prescreened” offers of credit by calling toll free 1–888-567–8688. So I called the number and it was an automated system. It said that by answering a few questions I could opt out of receiving any type of credit offer based on my credit report. I answered the questions regarding my name, address and phone number, but then it asked for my SS# and I hung up. Why would they need that kind of information?? That does not seem right or safe. I do not see any logical reason for that…..

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4 Answers

kyle94481's avatar

Thats just wrong.

The_Compassionate_Heretic's avatar

Never give out your SS#. That’s almost always a fraud situation.

kyle94481's avatar

tisk tisk, naughty solicitations.

shirleylopez's avatar

Yes, it is a possible fraud or scam. Credit card companies provide the best credit cards offers for people who are deserving of the offers. As a marketing strategy to let people know of the offers is to send mails. This is easy since most people are registered at different directories. However, if personal questions and most especially about your SS number; that is a different story. You can call Amex directly and inquire if they authorize this procedure of opting out of the offers. This is also to let them know that this type of solicitation is being done on their behalf.

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