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Kokua Line

By June Watanabe

Saturday, July 31, 1999

Oceanic asks for ID
in lieu of deposit

Question: I called Oceanic to have someone install a cable box. The installer came, did the job, then asked to see some ID. I showed him an ID card with my name, picture and address, but covered my Social Security number and date of birth because I considered that private. He already had my phone number. The installer said he had to call his supervisor, who told him to pull the box he just installed. I feel my picture, name and address should be enough to prove who I am. Why do I need more than that?

Answer: Because Oceanic wants to be able to track you down in case something happens with your cable converter box.

Oceanic does not require customers to make a deposit for the "very expensive" converters, said spokesman Kit Beuret. "Without a deposit, it is imperative that the company has positive customer identification and the ability to track down equipment that is not returned when service is ended."

The company considers a driver's license number the best way to do this, he said, although any official identification, such as a military ID card, would be acceptable.

In Hawaii, the driver's license number has been a person's Social Security number. However, beginning in January 2001, drivers can apply for licenses with computer-generated random numbers.

If customers don't have a driver's license or some other official identification card, and are unwilling to supply a Social Security number, Oceanic will install service, but not hook up a cable converter, Beuret said.

He also said cable companies are bound by federal regulations regarding customer privacy. New customers receive brochures detailing their privacy rights, which also are mailed to every customer once a year, he said.

Credit card warnings

I got a call from someone saying he was checking on why we weren't using our credit card. Then he asked for the card number. I told him we threw the card away and didn't know the number and he just hung up. -- No name

A man called, saying he was from a company representing all Visa card members. He said new authorization numbers were being issued and he wanted my Visa number. When I said no, he hung up. Please warn your readers. -- No name

"Never give any confidential information to a stranger over the phone -- that includes your credit card numbers, checking account numbers and Social Security numbers," cautioned William Beadle, spokesman for the Better Business Bureau of Hawaii. "Someone may assess the charge against you and then use that recording of you giving that number as their verification of a bill."

It's safe to give your credit card number over the phone if you call a company that you are familiar with, he said. "But when a stranger calls it's like a stranger walking up to you on the street. There's no reason in the world that you would reach into your pocket and pull out a credit card and give it to that stranger."

The BBB's succinct advise is: "Never do business by phone alone." If someone calls, always ask for something in writing so you can evaluate both the company and the offer, Beadle said.

Mahalo

To Dexter, who found an envelope lost at the airport post office parking lot. It contained an important check and you were so kind to mail it for us. We only got your first name, but want to express how thankful we are for your honesty. -- No name

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Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686,
fax 525-6711, or write to P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802.
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