Why does T-Mobile require Social Security number?

For cell phone service, companies ask for more personal information to set up post-paid accounts than pre-paid because they want to be sure they will get their money. This additional information allows them to pull your file from credit reporting bureaus. For prepaid accounts, neither name/address nor SSN is required.”

How did the T-Mobile breach happen?

A Wall Street Journal article on Thursday quoted the hacker taking responsibility for the breach, 21-year old John Binns, as saying T-Mobile’s “security is awful.” According to the WSJ, Binns found an unprotected router after using a publicly available tool to search weak spots in T-Mobile’s known internet addresses.

Do you need a Social Security number for a phone plan?

Do I need a Social Security number to get a prepaid phone plan? No, no credit check or social security number is needed when signing up for a prepaid plan. Since you’re not in a contract, and you prepay for all your future usage, there is no reason for the carrier to get your background information.

Did T-Mobile get hacked recently?

T-Mobile, one of the biggest telecommunications companies in the US, was hacked nearly two weeks ago, exposing the sensitive information of more than 50 million current, former and prospective customers.

Is T-Mobile getting hacked?

T-Mobile says cybercriminals compromised its systems and stole the personal information of current, former and prospective customers. The company initially said the attack, which it confirmed on Aug. 16, affected about 40 million people, but it later raised the total to more than 54 million people.

Who requires Social Security number?

Social Security numbers are used to report a person’s wages to the government and to determine a person’s eligibility for Social Security benefits. You need a Social Security number to get a job, collect Social Security benefits, and receive some other government services.

Who needs SSN?

Who has the right to request your SSN? Federal law mandates that state Departments of Motor Vehicles, tax authorities, welfare offices, and other governmental agencies request your SS number as proof that you are who you claim to be.