I've had a Dell account since I bought this computer, 2004 I think. Haven't used it for a year or two. Yesterday I ordered an ink cartridge and the online form required my Social Security number. When I clicked the "why do we need this?" link this is what I got:

I opened my account years ago and don't recall having to give this information before. WTF?

Check "freedom to fascism" in the "tribute to alan russo" thread...

Since buying an ink cartridge online makes you a threat to national security, of course (I wish sarcasm translated better online).

Go buy your ink cartridge at Tiger Direct.
As of yet, they have never asked for my SS number.


In fact, because of Identity Theft issues, most places quit using the SS number.
My bank for instance. The Flex account at work, my 401k plan, etc etc

Your bank doesn't use SS numbers??? They'd better not be paying interest then. One of the very few legitimate uses for SS numbers is for reporting income (interest earned in this case).

As for ink cartriges, the whole business stinks. They are programmed to "evaporate", and they'll turn themselves off even if the evaporation doesn't happen; phyically identical cartriges are region-coded so Americans and Europeans can't save money by buying them in another market.

I went net-laser a couple of years ago and have never looked back.

Thanks for that tip.
Unfortunately, I've just changed my ink cartridges in my thirsty printer, and now have the feeling that I've been had when I look at the bill, and worse, the ink still sloshing around in the little "Made in Slavelaboria" plastic boxes that have just helped pay for a new SL5000 Mercedes for someone, with indoor swimming pool and Amazon rain-forest precious wood drinks cabinet....

My Bank HAS my SS number, but they don't use it for identification.
For that I have been issued a seperate number.


Nobody is supposed to ask for your SS number on things like orders because of the ID theft risk.

Have a look here.
This is from the Official Social Security Identity Theft website.


http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html