privacy business
Comcast gave my social security number to a collection agency.
<p>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?</p>

<p>There might be some relevant state law. Michigan has a <a href="http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(ksb1rk1pmddu3qvx1rgi0332))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&amp;objectName=mcl-Act-454-of-2004" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Social Security Number Privacy Act</a>, 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 <em>is</em> allowed under 3(a) to mail a number in a document if the purpose is to identify an individual, especially 3(a)(iv), to</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>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.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>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). <a href="http://consumersunion.org/news/state-laws-restricting-private-use-of-social-security-numbers/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">This</a> gives a brief overview of state laws.</p>
