Vent alert!!!! (Do not read if you are out for a happy browse of the forum)

Is it just me, or does anyone else become irked by the constant demand for personal information - particularly when it really isn't even crucial?

For example:

I'm trying to catch up with threads I may have missed this month. I stumble across one for a survey. Fair enough, I do understand it is most likely a dissertation effort and I'm happy to support that. Yet, I cannot get beyond the first page Why? Because the creator, for whatever reason, has asked for a date of birth - I won't complete that one because a) I think it is not pertinent and b) I'm sick of every Tom, Dick & Harry *assuming* that it is a normal question, that everyone is entitled to know!

Really? In this day and age of identity theft???? Does no one have any common sense left?

A week ago, I was refused permission to join a particular "weight management" group because I wouldn't give my date of birth. The clerk (appalled!) strode across the room to the group (ahem) "manager", told her of my refusal and the "manager" called across the hall: "You have to tell us your age because we run 'age related' offers!" (that would be me crawling under the table absolutely mortified as the whole group turned to stare at me )

LOOK AT MY FACE: make an educated guess!!!! She refused me entry: I left!

So, why is it every one seems to assume they have a right to know your name, address, AGE, date of birth!!???

 

I refuse to fill out or answer questions that need to know my income, that`s between me, the tax man and my bank. My council sent an official out because I had not put it on a form, I considered it irrelative.

 

Its all about marketing. They can sell your details to a list broker, but the value of that info is directly linked to the completeness of it.

I agree though, its just wrong. I've been asked a few times for personal details at the checkout while buying something from an actual shop. I'm usually willing to give my postcode so they can at least work out what their catchment area is, but no more, and even then only if there's nobody else stood in earshot. I mean, imagine that, there you are buying something of significant worth and then you get asked your details. "Yes of course I'm going to tell all these people behind me in the queue what address I am taking this expensive item to".

 

He did indeed.

I did exactly the same last week, only the young lady on the other end got really shirty with me, and said go on ask me anything about your account and I can tell you, that will prove I am phoning on behalf of *******'s. So I asked... what is my account number?..... I am sorry sir I cannot disclose that until you have confirmed your ID ! Ok what is your number, and I will call you back, sorry sir we are not able to give you the direct number, you will have to call the 08**, and hope that you get me again.

Thank you but no thanks...... brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Then, just minutes later the OH gets the same call, only a different operator. Clever OH had heard my conversation and repeated my words almost exactly, only she added, please don't call again when I am having my dinner !

Seems they can have a level of security, but we are not allowed to.

 

Agreed.

And, the devil in me, did consider putting my date of birth as 1813.

However, the weight management programme is based on a "points" system (and that is based on your age range) I figured that my menu plan would consist of zero points and that I'd soon be getting peckish and the "Manager's" ankles would transform into a very, very desirable feast (sans butter!).

On a side note: holding *that* kind of meeting 3 doors up from a fish and chip shop wasn't the *best* choice of location, I thought

 

Funny, it only works one way, When i'm in the bank i always ask for id of the staff and ask for date of birth, they don't look happy when i ask

 

@"M", just a thought, but if they refused to let you because you wouldn't tell them your age, is that not illegal these days under age discrimination laws?

 

Ha! Good point!!!!! Except, their "Terms & Conditions" state they can refuse anyone, without giving a reason. (I'm an official reject ) But then, she did give a reason, didn't she

Her logic was that she needed to know my age so she could calculate my "points" intake. I did my own research and they only need to know a range and not an exact age.

 

On the Telephone thing, try being like me and utterly telephonophobic. It has taken years of therapy to manage to even stay in the house when the phone rings and only just managing to stop in the same room as it. Still could no more answer it than fly unaided. So, they ring and ask for me, my wife tells them that I cannot use the phone. Stops them dead in their tracks.

 

Right O, John, do that also. Was at a store the other day, and they wanted my social security number and birthdate placed on a page that is sitting out for all to see. I needed to move on the transaction. So glanced at the young one behind the counter. Then proceded to put down both incorrect numbers. The transaction was completed and I moved on. Some time in certain situations it is just better to play along your way. The earth did not stop.

 

And another thing @"M", what you doing at a weight management thing? Savour this because I don't do complements, but when I met you in May you were not of the larger persuasion. I even recall how you were able to fit in the boot of a modest sized car.

 

Clueless, Armandii.......I think you'd better stop digging that hole while you still stand a chance of not being buried in it!