The GAP Wants Your Info

I was in the GAP earlier today to pick up a pair of shorts (it’s hot as hell in Vegas) and I was struck by something rather odd. Now, let me preface this by saying that the GAP has had some significant financial problems of late and it is a vaild question to wonder how long they will continue to stay in business.

That being said when I emerged from the change room I was greeted by a overly cheerful young woman who asked it if I would like to save 20% on my purchase. Never being one to turn down a bargain I said sure. She asked if I had a VISA or Mastercard and my Social Security Number.

Um, pardon?

I explained to her that I did not as I’m a Canadian. She frowned and said that she was sorry that they needed the SSN in order to give the discount. I was rather alarmed that the GAP wants to record SSN’s from their customers. When I got up to the cash I listened intently as this question was posed to a few more shoppers. They handed over their information with blazing speed never once asking why the company needed/wanted the information. So, now the GAP had their credit card info (to be expected) their ZIP code AND their social security number.

From the SSA website:

You should be very careful about sharing your number and card to protect against misuse of your number. Giving your number is voluntary even when you are asked for the number directly. If requested, you should ask:

* Why your number is needed;
* How your number will be used;
* What happens if you refuse; and
* What law requires you to give your number.

Being the conspiracy fan that I am I immediately wondered if this was a program to use identity theft to bail out the ailing company. Of course that would be absurd.

Still…

[tags]Las Vegas, The GAP, SSN, Privacy[/tags]