Comcast thought I was in default on my cable/internet account. I kept telling them they were wrong, and I had proof, but they refused to listen until I got the Attorney General involved. They finally admitted it was a computer error, and eliminated the debt and called off the collection agency. My concern is that they provided my ssn to someone who I have no contact with, and no idea who they are or where they are located. This collection agency called me prior to Comcast correcting their records. When I refused to give the collection agency any information, they made a point of telling me they had my social security number. I took that statement as a threat that they would do something. Do I have any action I can take against Comcast for giving out my ssn?
-
What country (and if in the US, state) do you reside in? – sharur Jun 20 '17 at 23:17
-
Also, concerning "they made a point of telling me they had my social security number. I took that statement as a threat that they would do something". This may be a legal threat. Debt collectors can and do sue to collect on debts, as well as they can sometimes gain liens and wage garnishment orders. – sharur Jun 20 '17 at 23:20
There might be some relevant state law. Michigan has a Social Security Number Privacy Act, which limits use of SS numbers, such as publically displaying an amount of a number, use it as an account number, require it to be transmitted insecurely over the internet, mail it etc. However, it is allowed under 3(a) to mail a number in a document if the purpose is to identify an individual, especially 3(a)(iv), to
Lawfully pursue or enforce a person's legal rights, including, but not limited to, an audit, collection, investigation, or transfer of a tax, employee benefit, debt, claim, receivable, or account or an interest in a receivable or account.
It would depends on your state, but it is highly likely that debt collection is an allowed purpose (even if it not a real debt, just a good-faith mistake). This gives a brief overview of state laws.
