In the process of shopping for a new car, all dealers insist that I provide my Social Security Number. They "allege" it is a requirement of the Patriot Act. I believe it is a ploy to do some advance credit screening. Can anyone provide insight on this?
Thanks, Alan
If you google "patriot act car dealership" you will see several articles regarding this requirement. The car dealerships prefer not to have another administrative task. Basically, real estate brokerages, car dealerships, banks, casinos, are considered "financial institutions" where terrorists could attempt to launder money due to the large amounts handled.
It's a ploy to do advanced credit screening.
It is illegal to use the SS number for anything not related to SS business.
It's Bullshit. Surprised a Lexus dealer would pull that scam.
You can refuse to offer your SSN till the point you actually decide to get an interest rate for a loan or get any kind of a loan from the dealer. I would make it a point to retreive any forms i filled at the dealer if i didnt buy the car.
Agree totally. We got a major ID theft situation at a large major Socal Lexus dealership. We conformed that it originated from the credit department (our local police department told me there were at least 5 other cases pending) One of my contacts at my local bank refused to give the Lexus dealer her SSN after hearning about my plight... She was the Notary who did my affidavits of fraud...
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