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When should I get a National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange report?

A National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange (NCTUE) report contains customer data reported by NCTUE member utility service providers. It’s a good idea to get one if you’re the victim of identity theft or wo

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Why do I have to give so much information about myself when I open a new bank account?

Federal law requires banks and other financial institutions to put Customer Identification Programs in place to identify and verify the identity of their customers to prevent money laundering and the funding of terrorism.

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Why is it important to protect my Social Security number?

A Social Security number can be used to steal your identity (commonly called identity theft) to commit fraud, open new credit and bank accounts, get medical care/other benefits and obtain employment.

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Can I refuse to give my Social Security number to a business or doctor?

Yes, you can refuse unless you’re

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When am I required to provide my Social Security number to a business?

There are a few situations in which you must provide your Social Security (SSN) number to a business, including

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Do I have to show my ID when I buy something with a credit card?

With Visa and MasterCard, no. They both have rules that limit stores from requiring you to show your ID as a condition of purpose. These rules also make them accept your card even if you refuse to show your ID.

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Can a store require me to scan my driver’s license to return a purchase?

Yes. Many stores do this to help identify patterns of return fraud and abuse.

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In California, can a landlord ask me about my source of income in a rental application?

Yes, but all verifiable sources of income must be considered the same. For example, disability income may not be treated differently from office job income.