abboy

I am applying to lease a car , I have provided my SSN but the dealer still want me to fax him a copy of my SS card. Is this a norm? I thought only employer is allowed to request for my a copy of my SS card.

I am uncomfortable to let him make a copy of my SS card, Isnt my SSN enough? I have also provided my drivers license info, my work offer letter. With all this info, I am already at risk of identity theft.

Should I just personally show my SS card to him but not let him make a copy?

What are you thoughts?

fatbrit

ID theft is indeed rife. But I can't really see letting him copy the card is going to open you up any further to this problem. However, it does show the dealer is getting the upper hand and dictating terms which isn't a good place to be. How desperate are you for the credit? Unless you are taking a manufacturer's zero or near zero incentive offer, it's nearly always best to arrange the financing separately and not through the dealer.

Unless, of course, you're going for leasing. :scared:

Hope you thoroughly read Car Buying Tips before approaching the sharks.

Jerseygirl

Tell him you'll take your business elsewhere. I've never shown my SS card to anyone neither has my hubby. I always take the view that it is them that want your business and the piper plays the tune.

Bob

that's true, it's how they make there money, so if you can show that you'll get a better deal with less hassle from the bank, they might listen

TruBrit

nope do not give it or show it to anyone......my cpa accountant neighbour told me yesterday about his identity theft last fall....his ss number was stolen and the thieves tried to open a visa account with it, he's still not sure where the thieves got their info from. i had a run in with a local drs 4 yrs ago when i tried to register they wanted my ss number and i asked what for, they said their records and they said i could not see the dr unless i gave it so off i went and found another dr that would take other info instead. only last week i was standing behind an old boy in walgreen's the chemist and he was picking up his prescription and the lady behind the counter asked him for his ss number and the poor old boy duly gave it out loud...when it was my turn to be served i reminded the walgreen's lady about it and informed her that i now had the old boy's ss number and did she realise i could steel his identity....it's unbelievable how naive this lot are, no wonder identity theft is growing...give it to no-one..if they want your business they'll take other details/info.

Jerseygirl

Car dealer told me they would only accept a banker's draft for payment, didn't feel like making a special trip to the bank, so told him he would have to make do with a personal cheque or lose the deal. Guess what.....he took a personal cheque.

Car salesmen act like they're doing you a big favour and can dictate the terms, not to this Brit they can't.

TruBrit

course he would....he'll run a credit check then take any form of payment

Jerseygirl

They think you're stupid and you'll do whatever they say, especially if its a woman.

Another thing that annoys me is when its gonna be my car and they talk to my husband. One salesman actually called my husband to negotiate, think it was because I was busting his balls. So I went to another dealer, a few days later he called my husband again, and was told he lost the deal because he didn't call me. LOL.

blaze

I wouldn't do it, they shouldn't need it IMO.

Jerseygirl

Hey.....nice avatar.

TruBrit

not as nice as mine

TouristTrap

If you're into the Rocky Horror type stuff...then yeah!

I wouldn't even go back there again, find another dealer, they're dime a dozen, most who want to throw money at you.

Jerseygirl

Better still go to cars.com or similar site. Find how much the car will cost you through one of the internet dealers, look through all the dealerships in your area and source the exact spec. you want. Print out the quotation, take it to the dealership, tell them where the vehicle is that you want, then tell them if they can better or match the internet price, you'll consider doing business with them. I have done this twice now and its worked each time.

Duncan Roberts

I hate car salesmen. The first time I went to one here, actually the first time ever, I was pretty sure I wanted the car so started talking price with the guy. An hour later I just thought he was talking crap so left. The next one I went to me and my father in law tag teamed the guy and he got so pissed he yelled at us and his boss called him into his office. Ended up getting a deposit that they wanted "to secure the car" from $500 non refundable but would be taken of the price of the car to $25 that was refunded when I picked the car up and a price that now 2 years on can still squeeze a slight profit from the car if I sold it (acording to edmunds.)

Jerseygirl

They always try to push you into buying a car that they have on their books. Source the car you want and tell them to get it for you if they want the sale.