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Dear Consumer Action:

When I call a business, I am occasionally asked for the last four digits of my Social Security number as an identifier. More rarely I am asked for the entire number.

In some situations I know the business has the SSN on file, and I have no problem verifying it. But recently a provider of television services asked me for the last four digits of my SSN. I'm certain I never gave this company my number.

The potential problem is that this could be a way of "phishing," or trying to get people to disclose their personal numbers, to companies that may misuse them. What should consumers do when companies ask for SSNs - especially companies to which you know you haven't given it? - B.G., Upper Township

First, never give your full Social Security number to any company as an identifier, unless you are certain you have provided it to the company, and the company has a legitimate need for it.

Providing the last four numbers is less risky, but if you are uncomfortable with that, don't do it.

Consumers are not legally required to provide SSNs to businesses - including most health care providers - unless federal law requires private businesses to collect it for transactions requiring IRS notification. That includes most banking, stock market and other investments, real estate purchases, automobile purchases exceeding $10,000, many insurance documents, and other financial transactions as well as employment records. It certainly does not include a television service provider.

But there is also no law that prevents businesses from requesting your Social Security number, and there are few restrictions on what businesses can do with it, according to Privacy Rights Clearinghouse at PrivacyRights.org.

Here are some tips from the Clearinghouse on what to do if a business asks for your SSN:

n Leave the space for the SSN on the form blank or write "refused" or "N/A" in that space.

n Speak to someone in management or write to the business and explain why you do not want your SSN used to identify you. Ask why your SSN is requested and suggest alternatives such as using your driver's license number.

n Insist that the company document its policy of why it requires an SSN.

n If the company still insists on having your SSN, take your business elsewhere.

Believe it or not, it is still legal to sell SSNs, so the television service provider may have obtained your number through the marketplace.

Legislation has been introduced in Congress to prohibit their commercial sale - the latest version is the Protecting the Privacy of Social Security Numbers Act of 2009 (H.R. 122 and S. 141), introduced in the U.S. Senate in 2009. To date, none has been passed into law.

Special order deposit

Dear Consumer Action:

In July I special ordered a dress from a bridal shop, for my son's wedding Sept. 23, and paid a $190 deposit on a $388 dress. The contract stated no cancellations or refunds of deposits on special orders, and that the shop was not responsible for manufacturer's delays.

The dress still wasn't in on Sept. 21, so I went shopping for another dress and had to spend another $120.

On Sept. 22, the shop called and said the special order had arrived. I explained it was too late - a day before the wedding - and I already bought another dress. The lady apologized and said she would return the deposit. But it has been more than a month, and she has not sent it to me. When I call I get excuses. - M.L., Middle Township

The shop manager said she explained to you that the dress might not come in until right before the wedding, because you ordered only about eight weeks before the event. Generally, she said it is best to order at least 12 weeks ahead, to give yourself a time cushion, especially for alterations.

She said she did tell you over the phone that she would refund a portion of the deposit, and she will do that soon. But she is doing it as a courtesy, and does not feel she has any legal obligation. She said she can do that because this manufacturer, unlike many, allows returns.

Consumers can avoid such problems by ordering clothes for weddings and other special events at least three months in advance, and by having a promised delivery date written into the contract, with language that makes it clear you will get your deposit back if the clothing doesn't arrive in time.

Send Consumer Action letters to: Consumer Action, The Press, 11 Devins Lane, Pleasantville, NJ 08232.

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