Cabelas Asks For Social Security #...

[Mr.Blue]

...when filling out gun paperwork. I had to compete the paperwork on one of their computer stations. Usually when filling out paperwork I leave my SS# blank, as it is optional. Due to this being a computer program, I needed to put my SS# in to move forward.

I am pretty pissed that they do this. Had I not been dead tired and wanted to get my rifle and go home, I would have caused a stink.

I wonder if this practice is legal. Opinions?

 

[willypete]

Yes. You could always just go home and not buy from them if this vexes you that much.

 

[tarosean]

I always use my SSN because I do not have a unique name and dont want the headache of possibly getting mixed up with like named criminals out there.

 

[Diggers]

Couldn't you just of put in 000-00-0000 and moved on?

 

[Deus Machina]

Couldn't you just of put in 000-00-0000 and moved on?

I doubt it, because if they actually check by SSN, it will come up as either invalid or falsified.

I personally don't think that a SSN on the paperwork is any worse than filling out all your other personal info. Like they can't reference back John Doe, born on xx/xx/19xx and find you?

Sometimes I write mine in. Sometimes I don't--I don't have a common surname.

 

[Kiln]

Yeah it isn't like when you give your full name, address, age, and place of birth you're not giving away everything that would be needed to find you.

Your SSN isn't that big a deal IMO. Sure it can be used to track the gun to you but if you've given the proper info on the rest of the form they already have enough to find you anyway.

 

[kozak6]

It's no big deal.

If a bad guy shares your name, the SSN can speed things along. That's probably the point, since time is money.

Personally, I prefer to minimize the usage of SSN's in order to minimize the risk of identity theft. But this seems like a situation where it should be ok.

 

[Bubbles]

Was this the e-4473 software or Cabela's own program?

 

[MADDOG]

Interesting situation. I just read about a guy that found out that 50 people were using his SS number. I never give anyone mine. Guard it.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I don't sweat it. For years my state used your SS# as a driver's license number. Mine's been passed around a gazillion times.

 

[hso]

Social Security Numbers reduce the percentage of holds/denials and a business that insists upon using them is trying to be more efficient in the transfer.

It isn't illegal for them to do this, but it would be illegal if they didn't require you to complete the mandatory sections of the 4473.

 

[Mt Shooter]

I have always left it blank and never had an issue.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Filling out background check paperwork is about the one time I will give my SSN to someone. The government already has it......... you know, since they assigned it to you at birth. I also pay close attention to who is doing the paperwork just in case, but I don't sweat it any.

 

[gpb]

I agree with post #2. If this bothers you this much just firmly tell Cabelas you will no longer buy guns from them.

On the manual form the SS number is optional but recommended to reduce possible mis-identifications and possible rejections.

It is your right to not shop at Cabelas.

 

[22-rimfire]

I assume that that Federal requirements have not changed for the 4473. I don't think it's illegal for Cabelas to do this. It comes down to choice. I would assume it is store policy to more efficiently sell firearms. It is not illegal for Walmart to request ID for ammunition sales. Both stores are trying to take "stupid" out of the equation. In many cases, "stupid" relates to their own employees, not the ignorant customer. The store or FFL still has the right of refusal for their own personal reasons about individual sales.

If a buyer lists an incorrect social security number, he has just falsified a Federal document with his original signature.

 

[brnmuenchow]

Yeah it isn't like when you give your full name, address, age, and place of birth you're not giving away everything that would be needed to find you.

They know or will know who you are when it is all said and done, if you give it, it does take care of some possible identity headaches that they can encounter down the road.
Believe me once you have gone through a Texas state CHL course, (which is typically held at Gun Shop locations with gun shooting ranges) giving your social on an application almost comes second nature!--- Just don't give it out to just anybody, or out over the phone.

 

[CajunBass]

I'd hate to think how long it would take me to get an approval back if I didn't put my SS number on the form.

As many as I fill out, you'd think they'd know who I am by now.

 

[dogtown tom]

Mr.Blue ...when filling out gun paperwork. I had to compete the paperwork on one of their computer stations. Usually when filling out paperwork I leave my SS# blank, as it is optional. Due to this being a computer program, I needed to put my SS# in to move forward.

I am pretty pissed that they do this. Had I not been dead tired and wanted to get my rifle and go home, I would have caused a stink.

I wonder if this practice is legal. Opinions?

The only Federal form that a buyer is required to complete is a Form 4473.

There are only two ways to complete an ATF Form 4473:
1. Handwritten, on an actual Form 4473.
2. e4473, which is form filling software. After you have completed the form the dealer prints out a copy.

In neither case is the buyers Social Security number required. It is stated right there on Question 8 that it is optional.

If Cabelas is using a different 4473 system it would have to be approved by ATF......and they haven't.

hso Social Security Numbers reduce the percentage of holds/denials and a business that insists upon using them is trying to be more efficient in the transfer. It isn't illegal for them to do this, but it would be illegal if they didn't require you to complete the mandatory sections of the 4473.

ATF does not require the use of a Social Security number on the 4473 and the seller cannot require it either.....thats why ATF says its optional.

 

[22-rimfire]

ATF does not require the use of a Social Security number on the 4473 and the seller cannot require it either.....thats why ATF says its optional

Yes, it's optional. But if the seller will not sell a firearm without the SSN, then that is their choice just like Walmart ofton requires ID when buying ammunition. The seller is not directly requiring it. As with most things in the US, the buyer can walk....

I usually list my SSN by the way. One gunshop said "No", when I was about to write it down. I passed the NICs check without a problem, but my name has come up more than a couple times at the same address.

 

[dogtown tom]

22-rimfire .... I passed the NICs check without a problem, but my name has come up more than a couple times at the same address.

Your dealer isn't calling the FBI NICS, but a Tennessee state agency. FBI NICS does not ask for the buyers address.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

SSN is optional to purchase a firearm from a dealer but manditory if you're buying a hunting or fishing license from that same dealer.

 

[gilgsn]

The reason the SSN is required is probably a database issue. Database tables must use a unique key for records, and since the SSN is unique, it is often used for that purpose. I am a programmer, and use databases all the time. Having a unique identifier reduces the chance of having records of transactions by the same person been seen as from different ones. It can of course also help linking you in other databases, but that's another topic..

 

[NOLAEMT]

The ATF doesn't require it, but that doesnt mean that the dealer can't require it.

I know for example, that Bass Pro Shops requires a customers phone number as part of the 4473, and they will not go forward with the trasaction with out it. No where does the ATF even ask for a phone number.

 

[doubleh]

The form states that it is optional. I never give my number and have never had a sale denied or delayed. If they insisted on the number for a sale I would have thanked them for their time and left. I'm just contrary that way. If enough people take their business somewhere else and give that as the reason the store will change their policy.

 

[NOLAEMT]

I dont put my ssn on the form. How ever in Georgia, if you have a weapons carry license that serves as your NICS check, and no phone call is necessary. The FFL just copies down the permit number and expiration date and you are on your way. So for me it serves no purpose, and just takes more time.