Forbidden Skill #216: How to Avoid Giving Your Social Security Number to an ISP

How to Avoid Giving Your Social Security Number to an ISP—And Why You Should

Internet access is a utility almost as essential as electricity or water. But unlike those traditional utilities, many internet service providers (ISPs) request or even pretend to require your Social Security Number (SSN) when you sign up. If privacy and data protection matter to you, it’s critical to understand why this is risky—and how to avoid giving your SSN to an ISP. They put pressure on you to give your SSN but you don't have to, there are alternative methods to accomplish this.

Why ISPs Ask for Your Social Security Number

ISPs typically ask for your SSN for two reasons:

1. Credit Checks (Lie): They don't use it for this reason, but they will tell you. If you’re not prepaying for service or using a deposit, the ISP may run a soft or hard credit check to determine your eligibility.

2. Identity Verification (Lie): Some ISPs argue that using the SSN helps confirm your identity and reduce fraud, especially when signing up remotely. Its really to harvest biometrics.

While these reasons may sound practical, they open the door to serious risks. The real reason? MONEY and selling or sharing your data.

Why You Shouldn’t Give Your SSN to an ISP

1. Increased Risk of Identity Theft
   The SSN is a master key to your identity. If it’s stored improperly or exposed in a data breach, criminals can open credit lines, commit tax fraud, or worse—in your name.

2. You Have No Control Once It’s Given
   Unlike a credit card number, you can’t simply "cancel" your SSN. Once compromised, the damage can follow you for years.

3. Not Legally Required
   No federal law requires you to provide your SSN to an ISP. It may be company policy, but there are alternative ways to satisfy verification or credit check requirements.

4. Data Breaches Are Common (16 billion passwords in 2025: Google, Apple, Meta, etc.)
   Major ISPs have suffered breaches. If your SSN is on file, you're at greater risk of long-term identity damage than just having your email or billing address exposed.

How to Avoid Giving Your SSN to an ISP

Here are concrete steps to set up service without handing over your SSN:

Push Back on the Policy

Ask the representative if a soft credit check can be done using only your name and address. Some systems allow this but won’t disclose it unless asked.

Offer a Cash Deposit Instead

Many ISPs will waive the credit check requirement if you pay a refundable deposit upfront. Ask if this is an option—they may not offer it unless you push for it.

Use Prepaid Internet or No-Contract Providers

Smaller or prepaid providers often skip SSN checks altogether. Look into regional or niche services, especially those offering LTE or satellite options.

Use a Business Account

If you operate a business or LLC, ask to open the account in the business’s name. Provide the EIN (Employer Identification Number) instead of your SSN. EIN is a weak layer into your SSN, unless your LLC is structured privately.

Apply In Person with Alternative ID like a Passport

In-store signups may allow more flexibility. Bring a passport or state-issued ID and request a manual verification process rather than automated credit checks.

Use an Alias or Trust Name with Care

For privacy-oriented setups, you can sometimes open the account in the name of a trust or alias, paired with a burner phone and alias email. This works best when paying by prepaid debit card and offering a deposit.

Switch Providers if Necessary

If a provider insists on your SSN and won’t budge, consider switching. Competition in the ISP market may be limited, but you may find local fiber or municipal broadband options that are more privacy-conscious.

Don't Give In...

With data breaches increasingly common and identity theft on the rise, limiting how and where you share your SSN is a foundational part of good OPSEC.

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