How many of you give your SSN on the NICS form

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by The specialist:
If you don't think they already have it then your living in a dream world.[/quote]

I do think they have it. First, middle, last name, birthdate, height, weight, eye color, etc. is required on the form. If they "already have it", why must they ask for it on the form? Or, if you give it, why must they have all that other information?

Yes, they have it, and they can get it. Not providing it makes things more difficult for them. Contrary to what some might believe, there is no big master computer somewhere with some master file on every person. In reality, there is personal information in many different computers all over and the information can sometimes be shared over networks. Even government agencies (are supposed to) observe privacy laws even when communicating with other government agencies. Submitting unnecessary information only makes all of this easy for those seeking information and speeds up the process of gathing information. By not submitting voluntary information, such as an SSN, breaks are created and it is slowed down.

The government is making our lives more difficult. Why make things easier for the government?
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR> I do not give it out. It's not required on the form due to the 2nd amendment.


If they considered the Second Amendment, there wouldn't be a form in the first place. [/quote]
Good one!

Apart from the 2nd Amendment issue, there's the matter of identity theft. With little more than a SSAN, your life savings can be clean out, and there's about ZERO you can do about it.
It is unwise to disclose your SSAN to anyone, for any reason, unless it's absolutely necessary.
 
walangkatapat
"Unfortunately I do since there's a felon that has the same first and last names as I that apparently lives in the same state as I do, so I use the SS number to not mix me up again with this other person. "

Me too!!...he was arreasted for armed robbery and burglery in PA several times.... but I was in VN at the time......

JerryM
"I give it. As a retired military man who had security clearances up to Top Secret and special clearances "they" know all about me. In fact the military years ago made the SSN the SN. Jerry"

Me too!!...

but I have NEVER given it to them on the 4473...

[This message has been edited by CHEMNCO917 (edited November 06, 2000).]
 
Friends, I'll be blunt here ... it is not only foolish to provide your SSN, it is da*n foolish.

Forget the 2nd Amendment and RKBA for a moment - this is about your privacy and your financial security.

Ever heard of true identity fraud? I have ... happened to me. Took me over 1 year to get my credit straightened out. If you give me your SSN and name (the other data you provide is icing on the cake), I can run wild with your credit. And, you won't know it fast enough to stop me. Read up on this problem - it is real, I assure you.

Give your SSN out only when absolutely required. That means employment and tax-related situations - W-2 / paychecks, tax returns, bank accounts and so on. Anyone else, like the veterinarian, doctor, blood bank, insurance company ad nauseum ... tell them 'no thank you' - believe me, they've heard the objections before, and most will roll over on the request.

Unfortunately, some fools decided that tracking deadbeat parents / dads was more important than privacy, so many licenses now require SSN's by statute. But, check it out, and make sure they're not BS'ing you - that is common. [Note, the conversation goes something like this: 'Sir, your SSN is required on the form.' 'I'm happy to cooperate. What law requires my SSN?' 'Well, our insurance company requires your SSN.' 'I see - so it's not a law or regulation, but rather a company policy. Could I please get a copy of that corporate policy?' 'Well, the policy is not actually in writing. They just tell us to get the SSN.' 'So, you simply need a number to attach to my file, right?' 'Uh, I suppose that's right.' 'Well, in that case, let's simply use 999-00-1234. That's not my SSN, but it's a number that should work for both of us, OK?' You'll be surprised how often this will work. You can also blame all of this on your 'picky' lawyer, who 'insists' you keep your SSN more private. The important thing is to insist that they tell you exactly what requires your SSN, in writing. Usually, the request is BS.]

Believe me, if you ever get hit with such a fraud, it is very frustrating. And, do you know what one of the first questions is that you'll be asked by the police investigating your case? 'So, who did you give your SSN to?'.

Trust me on this - keep your SSN private as much as possible. It isn't just the ATF you're worried about - it is every other person that also sees that 4473. And, you have absolutely no control over the number eyes that will see that doc through the years it will sit in storage.

Sorry for the 'rant', but I feel very strongly about this issue.

Regards from AZ

[This message has been edited by Jeff Thomas (edited November 07, 2000).]
 
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