I wont use anyone but Verizon for my cell service. Its the only company that has true reliable service and coverage. I tried att when I had my iphone, and couldnt even get service half the time when I lived in downtown chicago. Never again.

Well I agree with you there. If they where going to check your credit for a month to month plan thats stupid & I wouldn't agree to that......

Originally Posted by mhalstern

To followup on some posts:

I was not applying for any credit. I had my credit card out in full view of the clerk. After I agreed on the data plan and the device capacity and some accessories, the clerk first asked for my drivers license. I don't remember if I gave him permission to scan it, as the process was so fast, but he than scanned it into his system. He then quickly brought up the number pad on the checkout touch screen and asked for my social security number. When I asked why, he told me it was for a credit check. The clerk wasn't too swift, as I had mentioned at least 3 times that I was not committing to the 2 year data plan, that comes with the free mifi device. I was instead paying for the mifi device. They were not extending any credit to me at all. In the pre-sales discussion, I was told that I could go online and log in to my newly created Verizon account and authorize a credit card to pay for the monthly 3G service. If the sale happened and my credit card would later be declined, Verizon would simply stop providing wifi service to the mifi device. The most liability Verizon would have in this situation would be 1 months of service which was $35.00 for the 3 gig plan. How would having my social security number on file help them with this? Is it important for them to have the right to put a bad mark on my credit score for $35.00?? Give me a break!

After I reminded the clerk again that I was not committing to the 2 year data plan, and I didn't want to give my social security number, he literally spent 5 minutes on his pc, occasionally hitting some keys. Maybe he was instant messaging his supervisor? I grew tired of this and asked what the issue was. He told me that as I was going to open a Verizon Account, (this seemed like a big deal, as during the pre sales talk, the clerk asked me several times, weather I had a Verizon account, which I did not) my social security number was required. Can somebody shed some light on this. I asked the clerk to remove my drivers license scan from the system. He informed me that it was already done. I told him that I no longer wanted the sale. I've worked in retail for many years and I can't believe the lack of caring or emotions over the failed sale that the clerk showed.

Guess what Verizon - We live in a free world and have a free market. I'm free to buy my Ipad elsewhere and to never conduct business with Verizon again. I also have the outlet of this forum and hope I convince others to not do business with Verizon as well.

Yes, and this is everything I said is what you should do. I'm sorry they were not kind and did not listen to you, but you could have asked for the manager to help you with your problem. The problem I have with this situation, is that instead of doing what you are saying you're doing (go somewhere else, like AT&T) you go onto a forum hoping to be able to sue them for this.

I would have done what you did, and say if you need all this, I'm going somewhere else, but I'm not about to waste my time trying to take legal action against a company who is allowed to do this... It's their policy, and you have, as you were granted, every right to deny this.

Way too many people now-a-days take every possible opportunity to bring up a lawsuit, which in the end, ends up hurting the consumer.

Originally Posted by mhalstern

To followup on some posts:

Guess what Verizon - We live in a free world and have a free market. I'm free to buy my Ipad elsewhere and to never conduct business with Verizon again. I also have the outlet of this forum and hope I convince others to not do business with Verizon as well.

While it's true you have freedom of choice I really don't get the hate factor...and how you would worry about others choice to do business with Verizon...just doesn't relate. They were not being sneaky, were not cheating, nor trying to trick you into anything. They were simply following policy...I'm shocked you were even given an option for a month to month plan...most cell companies do not. In fact Verizon probably just set this when they started offering the iPad bundle therefore they dont have amend protocols for non contract plans...regardless in my opinion I see no reason for the negativity bandwagon to roll through.

Originally Posted by Yakuzagang5

Way too many people now-a-days take every possible opportunity to bring up a lawsuit, which in the end, ends up hurting the consumer.

This is an under statement. I was at Midas, the other day and it was so cold in there, so I asked Mark, the owner where did the coffee pot and cups and whatnot go that use to be out here in the lobby for customers.

He said that a lady spilled some on her and sued them, stating too hot!! They ended up settling with her for 35k!

Coffee is gone.

I don't think Verizon sells the iPad without a data plan. That would mean a monthly charge. They need the social to run a credit check.

If you don't need data, don't buy from Verizon. Sue them? lol, good luck.

Some people are way too sensitive about this stuff. Hope you never rent or buy a home, as most landlords now require a credit check.

Originally Posted by Superbike81

Some people are way too sensitive about this stuff. Hope you never rent or buy a home, as most landlords now require a credit check.

Or apply for a credit card, or a job, or....well, you get the idea.

I used to work at a cellular kiosk and I couldn't make a hardware sale without a SSN either. It was sold exactly like it would be with a plan except no plan. It goes in the computer the same exact way. Like others have said, there are plenty of places to buy one besides a cellular kiosk. I wouldn't even think of going to a wireless provider to buy hardware without a contract. Not even a phone. I would most likely go to eBay for that.

I don't recall the guy saying he was going to bring a lawsuit??? He just asked if it what they are doing was legal. And if not maybe he should report they're actions. What, your apposed to getting Verizon in "trouble" if their doing something illegal? I bet you'd be on your high horse pretty quick if they tried to take away your guns!!

And it's very naive of you to think that Verizon won't get hacked (if they haven't already) and his SS number will be buying "cars" or what ever all over the place.

Sorry buddy, but your off base here.

Sure he can take his business else where (and it sounds like he has) but he ALSO has the right to be pissed about his experience and then discuss and inform us about it in this open forum.