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Social Security number and Brady Check

salzosalzo Member Posts: 6,396 ✭✭
edited November 2001 in General Discussion
I purchased a shotgun yesterday from Dicks Sporting Goods. The guy went through the usual speel about how to fill out Brady, and he instructed me where to put my social security number."Thanks, but I do not have to write my ss#. It is optional.""No it is not, you have to write your social security number.""No I dont. It says right there that it is optional.""You need to write your ss# number in order to complete the sale.It is not optional.""It says right here it is optional, are you telling me optional does not mean optional?"He started getting loud, and I informed him that I will not buy the gun, if he does not allow me to "opt out" of writing my social security number.He told me he was calling his manager, and the manager said that it was not optional."Look I have purchased several guns, and have never written my social security number. I will not buy this gun if I have to write my ss#"While this is all going on, all of the other customers are looking at this obvious criminal complaining about giving his SS#. I mean he must be a criminal, or he would not have a problem giving his SS#-right??They finally agreed to sell me the gun, but told me they sell 20 guns a week, and no one has ever not written there social security number."What are you trying to guilt me into writing it? Is it my civic duty or something?""No, I am just telling you that no one ever complains about this.""Well I am special", I informed him.Everytime I buy a gun, I go through this rigamoroll. Even when I buy one from a gun shop. Why are people so quick to give that information, when it specifically says it is optional?"It is bad enough that I am now required to give my ss# when I buy a hunting and fishin licence(Dont be so paranoid. They only want the SS#s of hunters( gun owners) to get dead beat DADs. It has nothing to do with having social security numbers of obvious gun owners). If that is the case, why were hunters singled out with respect to giving SS#s under the guise that it was to get dead beat parents.
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Comments

  • spclarkspclark Member Posts: 408 ✭
    edited November -1
    Yes, well... the SSA info says that the number IS NOT to be used for other identification purposes but try & NOT get an education - or some other priviledge - without this information being supplied. Why else would it be printed on (my) drivers license (I'm in Illinois)?I'll have to look more closely on the yellow sheet next time I fill one out;I never noticed the "optional" qualification on this & just wrote it in anyway....
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  • 22WRF22WRF Member Posts: 3,385
    edited November -1
    i just did one Sat. But Fla is a Non-Brady Law State and it is not an option here.Youe SS# is req
    Home of the Blue Angels, P'colaSemper Adveho Absconditus
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  • adminadmin Member, Administrator Posts: 1,079 admin
    edited November -1
    Unless there is a state law in your home state, SS # is completely optional.
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  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    In New Mexico it is even optional on drivers licenses. You did good Salvo.
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  • LowriderLowrider Member Posts: 6,587
    edited November -1
    Good for you. You shouldn't even be asked unless it's Social Security-related business you're conducting.I just went through the same thing last week at, of all places, the video rental store. Having never before done business with the store they wanted me to fill out a membership application. I filled in all the blanks except for the SSA#. The ear ring, nose ring, eyebrow ring-adorned, tattooed clerk informed me I needed to provide my Social Security number. I refused. He told me he wouldn't process the application without it. I told him OK, I'd take my business elsewhere, but I was going to call the Social Security Administration and turn his store in for violation of Federal law. I told him it was illegal for them to even ask me for my number(I didn't know if this was correct or not, but it sounded good). He called his manager in the back office and explained the situation over the phone. The guy didn't have balls enough to come out front. The manager told the clerk to let it go and give the card and movies to me. Obviously he didn'k know if I was B.S.ing or not about Federal law.The State of Washington now even wants your SSA# when renewing a driver's license. Before long the damn things will be posted on the internet under the freedom of information act.Just what some crook needs to assume your identity. But, if he wants my sorry-assed life, he's welcome to my identity.
    Lord Lowrider the LoquaciousMember:Secret Select Society of Suave Stylish Smoking Jackets She was only a fisherman's daughter,But when she saw my rod she reeled.
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  • dhdh Member Posts: 127 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I haven't filled out a federal form in over 20 years to purchase a firearm, so I don't worry about a SS#.And at my work we get a form every year to update our personals and every year I leave it blank,after all,the front office has it right?Same thing if we have an instructor come here and give us a lesson on HAZMAT or something,I leave it blank.
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  • Judge DreadJudge Dread Member Posts: 2,372 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Well it will be not long before we have a 666(UPC code index) radio device inplant taged to our skin ,maybe in the arm or forehead...
    I judge Thee!, Not for what you are , but for what you say !
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  • ED PED P Member Posts: 190 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The NH dealer I buy from never does the SS#, and just refers to the gun as a "Long Arm", not giving a specific type of rifle.
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  • idsman75idsman75 Member Posts: 13,398 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    This taps into such a wonderful subject. Within the last year the military was thinking about implanting soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines with microchips so that they could be tracked no matter where they were on the globe. I belive it is still in testing phase. Just pile that on top of the mandatory gun registration for military gun owners in order to store your firearms on post and throw in "no reloading on a military installation" just to add insult to injury.
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  • steven mobbssteven mobbs Member Posts: 234 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    hey saxon how about ar????? do we have to put ss number on yellow sheet???
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  • RedlegRedleg Member Posts: 417 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    idsman75,What's this about no reloading on military installations? I know about that craziness with registration. I lived, until just recently, on post and had never registered my weapons. I knew the risk I was taking.The Army treats soldiers like children. MPs on this post are required to carry M-9 pistols, but are not allowed to carry ammunition!!! WTF, over?As for the SSN, I've been required to give my SSN for the past umpteen years, and I don't know how widespread it is. Ever since the military did away with the service number and adopted the SSN, we've had to give out that info to countless inquiries.2 more vents, and then I'll shut up. After the attacks on 9-11, this post cancelled all firearms hunts this fall and even closed the rifle and skeet ranges! It's another case of a kneejerk reaction that really cuts to the bone. I hate this beauricratic BS.Brian..
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  • mlincolnmlincoln Member Posts: 5,039 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Good post! It is amazing how many places ask you for your SSN and other details just to complete the most minor of transactions. The other day I rented a tux for a wedding and the guy asked for my SSN! In Virginia you can get a non-SSN put on your driver's license, and I've done this. It's a good way to protect your privacy. I also love how stores will ask you for your zip code when you're checking out and even for your phone number. I was in a line of people at Sports Authority and the clerk was asking person after person for their phone number. They were giving it up for him and everybody else in ear shot to hear. I got up to the counter and the guy asked me. "No," I replied. He looked at me all confused and I said, "No, you can not have my phone number. I do not want your store to sell it to a bunch of different telemarketers or to hassle me at home. You don't need my phone number to sell me fishing line." He was still confused but rang up the sale. The person after me, though, when asked for the phone number, gave it right up. God, we are a bunch of sheep, aren't we?
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  • woodsrunnerwoodsrunner Member Posts: 5,378 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I agree with everything you said about social security numbers.But I have one question.WHY would anyone buy a gun at Dicks??I have three rules to live buy.1) I buy gasoline at a station that has a garage.2) I eat in restaraunts where the owner is on premises.3) I never buy a gun from a place where I'm not buying directly from the owner & he MUST be a gunsmith also.since doing these three things. I've never had a tank of bad gas, Never gotten sick on restaraunt food, And always gotten immediate service when a gun was defective from the factory.Also I'm sure Dicks could care less about your right to own that gun, they just want your buck..
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  • Free N TXFree N TX Member Posts: 165 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Way to stand your ground salzo. In Texas the form also says SS# is optional. I have never had a problem from any of the people that called in to the feds for the sale. One time a clerk pointed out the blank space where the SS# goes and I (nicely of course) pointed out the word "optional" and told him that my SS# is not anyones business but mine. He went ahead and ran the sale through.As far as the phone number goes, I tell anyone who asks for it that I pay an extra dollar a month for an unnlisted number and so I will not give them my home number, period. As far as the zip code goes, I live in the country and have both a physical address and a Post Office Box both are a different zip code, and the closest city is another zip code, so I always rotate the zip code that I give out. Sometimes I will give a zip code of somewhere way far away from where I live just for the fun of it.Never volunteer any information that you don't want to give...[This message has been edited by Free N TX (edited 10-30-2001).]
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  • PelicanPelican Member Posts: 1,061 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    My policy on the SSN is if the customer doesn't want to provide it I could care less. I have noticed that it usually results in a delayed transaction from NICS.
    "Audemus jura nostra defendere"- - - - - - - - - - - - - It is useless to hold a person accountable for anything they say while in love, drunk, or running for office.
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  • XP100XP100 Member Posts: 435 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    According to my paperwork from NICSMiddle Name(optional)Cadence(JR., Sr., 111) OptionalHeight(optional)Weight(optional)Misc. #(Military, aiein reg. #) (optional)SS #(optional)Required First & Last nameSexDOBFirearm TypeState of ResidenceRace
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  • gunpaqgunpaq Member Posts: 4,607 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    This is a hot topic for me....I boil over when asked for my SS number. I most always ask in response " Is this for taxation or employment purposes? If not then I am prohibeted by federal law from rendering my SS number." Pennsylvania requests your SS number when buying a fishing or hunting license to keep tabs on dead beat dads. The only goverment entity more powerfull than the BATF is the PA DRS. If you are a male you are guilty by gender and when you go about doing manly things like hunting and fishing they want to keep track of you and your discretionary income - they will even assess your leisure time for a dollar amount. What about dead beat moms? Anyways, in Pennsylvania it is your option to use your SS number or not to use it, it's the law.
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  • tightbredtightbred Member Posts: 74 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    The last few times that I've returned purchases to Wal-Mart, I was asked to sign a receipt. They never check my ID, and each time I sign "Jim Morrison". I also don't give out my SS# and phone number, and haven't had a hard time...except the time that I refused to show my ID to buy a can of spray paint. They wouldn't sell it to me, so I made a big fuss and let everyone know that I buy beer there all of the time and never get carded.
    I've still got all of my teeth.VIP Member: ~Secret Select Society of Suave Stylish Smoking Jackets~
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  • salzosalzo Member Posts: 6,396 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    GUNPAQ- Isnt requesting the ss# on hunting licenses a "federal" regulation? I thought all states had to do this? Anyone know if I am wrong on this?
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  • gunpaqgunpaq Member Posts: 4,607 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    salzo: I don't know if it is a federal law or regulation but I do know for fact that in Pennsylvania it is you option to give your SS number when purchasing a fishing or hunting license. I had a go-around with the people at Wal Mart about this and paid a visit to the local Game Commission office to find out for certain.
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  • salzosalzo Member Posts: 6,396 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    GUNPAQ- Please do tell. A fellow Pennsylvanian(myself)would love to know about your encounter with the game commission.
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  • gunpaqgunpaq Member Posts: 4,607 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    SALZO: Sorry I could not respond earlier. I have been a lifelong friend of a PA Game Warden who is now retired. He was and is a nice guy and very understanding but when it came to the game laws he would arrest his own mother for the smallest violation. The state must implant a "mean" chip in the brains of all game protectors. My visit to the district office was a pleasant experience with the people there being very cordial and as nice as pie - found this to be consistant when communicating with them via telephone or corresponence about various issues. However, like a dog from a bad gene pool, they will turn on you in a blink of an eye in the field. Instead of winning over friends and allies in the field (the "SPORT" theory and program) they will always issue a citation with a fine rather than a warning and a talk to for minor violations especially those that were accidental or unknowingly commited by the sportsman. Be very very careful at the public ranges especially at French Creek where you will be fined and often your gun confiscated (until payment of fine) for the fine print regulations, which are not posted, and any technicality they can find. - I no longer go to the public except to pick up brass and warn the shooters of the rules. I could go on and on, but other than thier Doberman pinscher attitude about the game laws, etc., they do a fair job.
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  • salzosalzo Member Posts: 6,396 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    GUNPAQ- Yeah your game commission analysis sounds about right.I have not been to French Creek in a couple of years. I started to use the range at Lake Nockamixon, and now I just hang out at the private range.
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  • turboturbo Member Posts: 820 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You need to move to KALIFORNIA, SS# it's not required here.
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  • njretcopnjretcop Member Posts: 7,975
    edited November -1
    I guess it goes without saying, but here in the good ole Republic of NJ, you MUST supply your SSN to purchase any gun. And we are the only state in the country where it is unlawful to pump your own gas. Hmmm, why do I still live here?
    It's the stuff dreams are made of AngelI am the NRA, the KABA, NJ Area Rep for the 2ampd, and the AARP :(njretcop@copmail.com
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  • salzosalzo Member Posts: 6,396 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    NJRETCOP- Whenever I go up to NT, I always used to fill up in NJ, being that the gas was so much cheaper than here in PA. The last few times I have made the trip, the gas has been more than it is here in PA-Wassup with that?Also, what on earth is going on with the Republican party in your state. I have heard and seen 100s of McGreevey commercials, and only a handful for Schundler. Does the GOP want Schundler to lose?
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  • IconoclastIconoclast Member Posts: 10,515 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    BRAVO, salzo. And when a store requires a phone number, I always give them one from state gov't, usually the AG's office.
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  • chilipchilip Member Posts: 54 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    FYI...It is illegal to pump your own gas in Oregon. I used to travel there for business and on the first trip I got out of the rental car and just started filling up at a station. Clerk comes out and says what the hell do you think you're doing? It has something to do with providing jobs.
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  • LowriderLowrider Member Posts: 6,587
    edited November -1
    When I'm traveling through Oregon on my bike the pump jockeys don't even THINK about filling my tank. For bikers, they make a big show out of taking the nozzle loose from the pump and handing it to you. Then they stand at the ready, while I fill my own tank, in case there's a gas nozzle emergency, they're ready to spring into action.I always feel so much safer with a gas pump professional at my side.
    Lord Lowrider the LoquaciousMember:Secret Select Society of Suave Stylish Smoking Jackets She was only a fisherman's daughter,But when she saw my rod she reeled.
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  • 22WRF22WRF Member Posts: 3,385
    edited November -1
    I picked a new pistol today. So I ask the Dealer about the SS# here in Fla. I had put it on my form. His answer was No not required but......When the FCIC/NCIC check is run if a felon on other ineligble person has the same name and birth date as you do it will kick back.Then you must appeal and go to the local LEO office be fingerprinted then resubmit with SS#. Maybe you will clear the second time around.It's not worth the ahssle to me. Everybody the world has your SS# anyway.Maybe you will be
    Home of the Blue Angels, P'colaSemper Adveho AbsconditusNever miss a good chance to shut up (Will Rogers)
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