Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – This Your Stories Q&A is for folks signing up for cable. With the switch to digital television last week, some of you are starting new accounts with Time Warner, and you're wondering why the company is asking for some personal information to do it.
When people call Time Warner to set up a new account, they’re asked for their Social Security number or credit card in order to activate it.
The folks at Time Warner tell us a Social Security number is needed so they can check their records to see if you've had an account with them in the past.
It also ensures that someone else isn't attempting to sign up for new service under your name.
To keep your Social Security number safe, Time Warner encrypts it once it's in the system; customer service reps can only see the last few digits of your number.
A Time Warner spokesman says their system is secure, and to his knowledge, they have never had a case of identity theft in central New York.
If you still feel unsure about giving them your Social Security number, you can use a credit card instead. If you choose to take that route, you'll need to signup for service in person, and bring your driver's license or passport with you.
Got something you'd like the Your Stories team to check out? Give us a call at 446-9900, or email us at yourstories@9wsyr.com.
