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Question

account data security

Feb 7, 2015 4:38AM PST

Gave up my social security number when I got my sprint phone in the 90's. Is there some consumer protection right that would support a formal request to completely delete it from my account? Guidance sought

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Varies with carrier
Feb 7, 2015 4:49AM PST

But given all that's in the news, the simplest answer is to ask your carrier to be sure to remove this from their records. Since we no longer can be sure of the phone's security you would never use the phone and type that in there.
Bob

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Answer
Take off the tinfoil hat
Feb 7, 2015 5:33AM PST

They only use it for the credit check when you sign up for post paid service, and front you the discounted new phones in exchange for agreeing to pay them the monthly charges for 12-24 mos. AFAIK, this info will not be kept in any separate database beyond what is required for the credit check.

As long as you plan on residing/paying taxes here in the U.S., you are basically stuck with our current system(s).

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Pepe is correct......
Feb 7, 2015 11:09AM PST

Customer service verifies the account by the last 4 digits of the SS# unless a password is assigned to the account. CS reps can only see the last 4 digits, not the whole SS#.

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Answer
If you are that concerned.....
Feb 7, 2015 11:13AM PST

.....get a prepaid service in which no SS# is required.

No, you can't have the carrier purge your SS# from their records. It is used to identify you and run a credit check.

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Sharing that my last two phones didn't require SS#
Feb 7, 2015 11:14PM PST

One was from Tracfone, the next 2 were from Ting. That's 2 or 3 depending on how you count.

I also setup an 2010 Android phone on Groove IP Lite without SS# which may make the last 4 phone setups SS# free.
Bob