One would assume in this day and age that most people should be wary of being ripped off or have their identity or personal information stolen. With the way identity theft has been touted and warned of on the news, most should have an idea of some steps to limit the risk. Simple protective steps such as shredding trash and documents with sensitive information, using encrypted sites to give login and password information for email and finances, and not giving out your Social Security number are all fine ways to prevent such an occurrence.
With all this in mind, why would anyone in their right mind give out their name, address, and Social Security number to someone who cold-called to sell a new cell phone plan? Apparently, she did not think it was odd that someone who called, posing as a sales rep, invited her to sign up for service with a company she had no previous dealings with and needed her personal information to process the claim. This woman was scammed up and down and is likely in the middle of purchasing numerous big ticket items from Wal-Mart.
Now, I can understand and appreciate discretion with releasing that information to any company. While I am not a Social Security number nazi like some who absolutely refuse to divulge it ever, I hesitate at putting my number to use as a login to an employer to even apply for a job, as illustrated below.
Of course, if you cannot understand why everyone and their priest is telling you not to give out your information, and you do anyway, perhaps you won't care when the Mercedes dealer comes to repossess a car you don't have.
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