Turned down for an account because I wasn't wearing socks
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Turned down for an account because I wasn't wearing socks
Being a nice warm sunny day, I sometimes don't feel like wearing socks with my sneakers. Today I also decided it was the day I'm going to open a checking account without the use of a Socialist Security Number.

A couple of months ago I did some research and I e-mailed a bunch of banks inquiring about opening an account with no ssn. Of course all of them said it was their policy to require a ssn or Tax ID number before opening any kind of account. As it turns out, this policy is also in violation of the law. Just for the sake of argument, I decided to try a bank that I had not e-mailed before. Millbury Savings Bank, Millbury, Massachusetts.

I arrived at the bank with an associate of mine, to serve as a witness. We walked into the bank and we were asked if we needed help. I informed them that I would like to open a checking account. She instructed us to have seat and she would send somebody over. After a couple of minutes we were met by Barbara. We sat down and I explained that I would like to open a checking account. I had a couple of questions that are irrelevant here and we proceeded to open the account.

The very first question she asked was for a Social Security Number. I politely informed her that she didn't need it. She said, "But you have to have a Social Security Number in order to open an account." I then told her that according to the law she may ask for it but there is no requirement that they obtain one. I then produced the "Notice to Financial Institutions". She took a look at it and brought it to somebody else. This somebody else poked her head over the partition and informed me that it was bank policy to require a SSN. I then pointed out that their policy was also in violation of the law. She then said that we don't have to open an account for anybody. I told her that she certainly has the right to do business with whomever they choose. However, you cannot turn me down because of my refusal to disclose my SSN. She decided to go and get the bank president. Keep in mind, I have been very calm and polite through the whole thing.

The bank president, Bill Walsh then came over holding the Notice I had given to Barbara and started talking to my associate.

I calmly said, "Sir, I'm the one that is trying to open an account."

He turned to me and said, "No Social, No Account."

I pointed out the law. He said, "I can refuse to do business for whatever reason I want."

I agreed with him, "Yes, you certainly can refuse to do business with me or anyone else for whatever reason. But, you will have to come up with a different reason than no social security number."

He gave me no time to explain. He obviously didn't want to hear it. He interrupted me and said, "Then pick a reason. Now take your forms and get out."

I apologized to Barbara. I let her know that I didn't come in here to cause any trouble. I simply wanted to open an account.

We then calmly walked out of the bank and sat in the car. I came to the conclusion that since he could not refuse me because of the socialist security issue then it had to be something else. I decided that Millbury Savings Bank wouldn't do business with me because I wasn't wearing socks.

So, if you want to do business with Millbury Savings Bank, make sure you have your socks on.

We then went down the road to Millbury Credit Union. We sat down with Franca Millette. She explained that in order to open a checking account I have to also have a savings account. I told her that was not a problem. She asked for my license. I produced it for her. My license does not have my social security number on it. Then she asked for my SSN. I told her none. Of course the usual dialog continued and I showed her the infamous "Notice". She said she had never heard of such a thing and they always get a SSN. I told her, "This is the law that covers the financial industry and SSNs. This is Federal Law. This is a Federal Credit Union isn't it?"

She said, "Yes it is a Federal Credit Union. I'll have to check this out with the manager. I've never heard of such a thing before"

She excused herself and stepped into another office. It was several minutes before she came back. She informed me that they will have to check on this and get back to me. They needed to call their lawyers etc. I told her that I completely understand and I would be happy to stop by tomorrow. I gave her my business card and she said she will call me tomorrow. I'm looking forward to opening my account tomorrow.

I haven't decided if I should report Bill Walsh to the Attorney General. What do you think?

Update:
7-24-2000
I called Millbury Credit Union. Since I haven't received a call back yet. I didn't get to talk to Franca Millette. They connected me to somebody else. Franca was not in or was out to lunch or something. The person I talked to (didn't get her name), informed me that since a checking account must have a savings account along with it, there is a reporting requirement to the IRS. I informed her that the reporting requirement is basically the same as it is for opening a bank account. they must ask for a person's SSN but they are not required to get it. 26 CFR Section 301.6109-1(c) She told me to call back and talk to Lisa Bean

I heard back from Lisa Bean. I should hear back from them tomorrow. She assured me that they didn't forget about me. I also mentioned Title 26 CFR Section 301.6109-1(c) and she should give that to the lawyers as well. She warned me that if they have no SSN that the savings account would be subject to backup withholding. To be quite honest, I don't really care. I would simply leave the $25.00 that is required to have a membership at the credit union and consider that the price of privacy and freedom.

Lisa also complimented me on my knowledge of the tax laws. I told her I appreciated that and I stated my reasons for wanting to live without the protective socialist umbrella of Socialist Security.

I must say that I appreciate how I am getting treated by Millbury Credit Union. They have been civil and attentive. All things considered, they have already been a pleasure to deal with. Quite a sharp contrast to the Gestapo tactics at Millbury Savings.

Update 8/7/2000:

I have been calling Millbury Credit Union daily since my last update. Lisa told me that if they find that they can in fact open an account for me, that it will still have to go before the board of directors before any decision is made. It looks like I may have a long wait.

Last Friday (8/4/2000) I was riding around cashing checks. Since I have started this quest I have refused to use my regular bank. Instead i am requesting, whenever possible, that my customer makes checks out to me personally. Then I simply go and cash them. I have been paying for things with money orders and FRNs. Sure it's a pain, but it feels so good.

One of the banks I stopped at was Milford National Bank in Milford Massachusetts. I had a $1,200 + check I needed to cash. I figured it was an opportune time to see if I could open an account there. They have five branches. All but one is in Milford. Yeah, it'll be a little ride to make a deposit but I'm going through Milford all the time so it's not a big deal.

I decided to play this one a bit different. I learned from my mistakes. I very politely walked over to one of the Customer Service Reps, a Cynthia Saucier. I told her, "I'm here to cash a check but I would prefer to be depositing it into a new checking account, would that be possible?"

Cynthia said, "Certainly, have a seat."

I sat down and I decided to remove any reason why they would not want to open an account for me. I asked if the bank had discriminated for any reason whatsoever. I even listed, race, religion, political affiliation.

I then asked, "Does Milford National have any problem with complying with the law as it is written?"

She thought about it for a moment and replied, "No, no problem."

I said, "Great, let's open up an account."

We then went on to discuss the types of accounts etc. We decided on a simple, non-interest bearing, dba account. This was only because I need to deposit checks made out to my business name. As a matter of fact, I've got a stack of checks made out to my business waiting to be deposited.

Then the big question came...

"Social Security Number?"

Reply, "None."

"Okay, EIN?"

"None."

"You don't have a EIN number?"

"No, I'm not required to have one. I have no employees. I used to have one but I got rid of it because I don't need it."

"You never had a Social Security Number?"

"I never applied for one. Since I found out that it is not required and that I can't be legally bound to a decision that was made for me when I was an incompetent minor, then no, I never really had a SSN."

Then came the whole "bank policy bit." I went on to explain to her that the law does require that they ask for a SSN or TIN but there is no requirement to get it. Also, if they do require it as "bank policy" then that policy is in violation of the law. I told her that I had it all written out if she would like a copy. She said it wasn't necessary but I insisted. I told her that it would help them out. She finally agreed and I hand her the infamous "Notice."

While all this was going on another customer rep who was nearby kept putting in her two cents worth. She was very insistent that everybody had to have a SSN. I figure she is that way because she is only a few years away from being "on the dole" herself. She obviously has a vested interest in making sure that everybody pays their fair share. She was obviously a devout socialist. I'm sure the government would have been very proud of her.

Well, Cynthia took my business card and the notice, paper clipped it together and told me that somebody would be able to get back to me on Monday or Tuesday. I thanked her for her consideration and I cashed my check before I left.

It is now Monday and I've talked to Milford National twice since I've been writing this. I received a call from a Maria Morte. She didn't have the infamous Notice with her so I had to explain to her what the law says. She explained to me that it was recommended that they follow their bank policy by their legal department. I informed her and read portions of the law to her. She still said that they had to follow their bank policy.

Her: "I'm sorry but it was recommended that we follow bank policy."

Me: "Even if your policy is in violation of the law?"

Her: "Our legal department feels that we have to follow our policy."

Me: "If you can cite the law that requires that I give you a SSN in order to open an account then we won't have a problem."

Her: "Well, I can't quote the law. Our legal department can send you a letter explaining it."

Me: "If you would like I'll even talk to them. You can have them call me."

I should have mentioned that I wasn't wearing any socks. The conversation actually took much longer but that was the gist of it.

So now I am waiting for a call from a lawyer.

It absolutely amazes me how little these lawyers know about the law.

This is now bank number four that has refused to open an account for me even after I show them the law. I knew that there was a conspiracy going on but I figured that if i show them the law, they wouldn't be able to say no.

Maybe I should compile a list of known felons violating 42 USC Sec. 408. Let me know what you think. E-mail: jeff@nossn.com

Update 8/8/2000:

Bingo! Just talked to Lisa Bean at the Millbury Credit Union. She informed me that indeed, I can open an account without an SSN. I will have to sign a statement saying I am subject to backup withholding for the savings account (who cares really?). She also told me that there may be a fine for not getting my SSN and they will pass that on to my account ($5.00, a small price to pay). She also informed me that they may keep an eye on my account for suspicious behavior (What could that possibly be?).

I told Lisa that my reasons for doing this is that I value my privacy and I am not a socialist. She chuckled. She knows I'm right.

Update 8/9/2000:

I just returned from Millbury Credit Union. We sat down with Franca Millette and told her we were here to open the account. She said she just had to check with Lisa Bean and we would be all set. Franca came back with the statement for me to sign that said I was subject to backup withholding. Surprise! the form requires a SSN.

Click the form to view much larger image.
Franca assured me that my SSN would not be on the account and nothing would be reported to the IRS, but they would need me to supply my SSN for this form. I informed Franca that this was not required either. She asked if I would like to talk to Lisa. I said I would love to meet Lisa. We talked for a few minutes. I let Lisa know that they simply have to sign a statement that they have complied with the law by requesting my SSN and they were unable to get it. She again assured me that the IRS would have no access etc. and that they just needed my SSN for their records. Looks like we have to inform them of the law once again.

I still have to say that Millbury Credit Union continues to be a pleasure to deal with.

What we need here is Form P-1 available here. Reasonable cause Affidavit by Payor For Not Obtaining Payees Identifying Number.

Update 8/14/2000

I was left a message from Lisa at MCU. She said that the president of the credit union made the decision that they cannot open an account without a SSN because it is their policy. This has got me a bit aggravated. Does the jurisdiction of the law stop at the front doors of every bank? Suddenly the bank can make up their own rules once you walk into their doors?

Tried calling back, no answer. I left a voice mail message.

Update 8/15/2000

I received a letter from the lawyers representing Milford National Bank. It was all nicely typed up with official lawyer letterhead. It even had the cc message indicating a carbon copy to Maria Morte from Milford National.

Here is the text of the message:


Well, I knew it was the bank's policy to require a SSN, and yes I am refusing to comply. This guy is a lawyer, where is the law? This guy should know that either they have to open an account for me or cite a law that requires That I give it to them. Of course we know that no such law exists.

Here is my reply:
Dear Attorney {Name Here},

Thank you for your letter dated August 8, 2000. I understand that your documentary requirements for opening an account may require a social security number or tax identification number. I have neither of these. I used to have an EIN but since I no longer have any employees I am no longer required to have this number. A social security number in my name was applied for when I was eight years old. I don’t believe that I have to tell you that I cannot be held liable for a decision that was made for me, by someone else, when I was an incompetent minor. Therefore, I am telling the truth when I state that I have no social security number. I also can not give you what I do not have.

Does this mean that you require customers to sign up for Federal welfare entitlement programs before they can open a simple non-interest bearing checking account?

You state in your letter that the bank’s regulations require a Social Security Number for the opening of any and all accounts. This would be Milford National Bank’s regulation.

The law states:
42 USC Sec. 408 provides that:
Whoever ... (8) discloses, uses, or compels the disclosure of the social security number of any person in violation of the laws of the United States; shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction thereof shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both.

This tells me that the only time anyone needs to inform anyone of a SSN it must be required by law. This means that in order for Milford National Bank to require a SSN from a prospective customer law must require it.

31 CFR 103.28 requires identification as follows:
Before concluding any transaction with respect to which a report is required under Sec. 103.22, a financial institution shall verify and record the name and address of the individual presenting a transaction, as well as record the identity, account number, and the social security or taxpayer identification number, if any, of any person or entity on whose behalf such transaction is to be effected. (Emphasis added)

The Code of Federal Regulations clearly states “if any.” In plain English that means there may be instances where there is no SSN or TIN. The law clearly does not “require” the SSN or TIN.

31 CFR 103.34 provides:
In the event that a bank has been unable to secure . . . the required identification, it shall nevertheless not be deemed to be in violation of this section if (i) it has made a reasonable effort to secure such identification, and (ii) it maintains a list containing the names, addresses, and account numbers of those persons from whom it has been unable to secure such identification, and makes the names, addresses, and account numbers of those persons available to the Secretary as directed by him.

The Code of Federal Regulations even lets you know what to do in the event you do not obtain a SSN or TIN.

Also, The Privacy Act makes it unlawful to require an individual to disclose or furnish a social security number for any purpose, unless the disclosure or furnishing of the number is specifically required by law.

I could also go into IRS reporting requirements but this would only apply to interest bearing accounts earning over $600.00. I am requesting a non-interest bearing account.

If anything stated in this letter is incorrect, please let me know. I am not a lawyer and I would sincerely appreciate any input you would have regarding this matter. If there actually is a requirement within the law that financial institutions obtain ones SSN or TIN, please let me know where I can find it.

Before closing I would like to state that my reasons for opening a checking account without a SSN is not for the purpose of anything illegal, unlawful or dishonest. I simply am not a socialist and do not wish to participate in socialist programs. Using a SSN implies participation in the program. Social Security is voluntary. The Social Security Administration will admit this fact openly. I do not wish to volunteer.

Thank you for your time. I am looking forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

{Me}
Notice how I give him the opportunity to provide me with evidence that it is required. I don't believe he will be able to do this. There is simply no such law. When I wrote that I am looking forward to his reply, I was telling the truth, I can't wait to see this one.

Update 8/18/2000

I finally got a hold of Lisa at MCU. She told me that my name and issue has been making big waves at MCU. Nonetheless, the president has stated that he requires a SSN before opening any account. I asked Lisa, "Have you heard of the Privacy Act?"

She replied, "I've heard of it."

I informed her, "The Privacy Act makes it unlawful for anyone to require a SSN unless it is specifically required by law." I paused and continued, "You have already told me that it is not required, right?"

She said, "Yes, I know that. But our president has made a decision that it is our policy that we have to have a number."

Now, how many times have I had to say this line: "Your policy is in violation of the law."

To make a long story short (too late), she gave me the name and direct telephone number to the president of MCU. Of course, he's not in the office at this time.

I never thought it could take this long to open up a simple checking account.

I called MCU and spoke with the President. This was certainly interesting. I reminded him of the Privacy Act. He kept telling me that it is "Bank Policy." Again I say, "But your policy is in violation of the law." He had no problem understanding that there is no requirement. He went on to tell me that accounts earn interest and the is reporting requirements to the IRS. They just don't want to deal with it. I did tell him that he can show me a law that does require it and I'll go away. I also asked him if his bank fell outside of federal jurisdiction? He said no. But, alas, that didn't seem to matter. He told me I can have my attorney file a suit.

Update 8/29/2000

Got a letter from Milford National's lawyers again:
I am in receipt of your letter dated August 14, 2000. Your analysis does not
change The Milford National Bank and Trust Company's position as set forth in my
letter to you dated August 8, 2000. The Bank will not vary its requirements.

Sincerely yours,


{Lawyer's name here}

He's not too long winded is he? Does he think I'm just going to go away? Three or four sentences seem to be his limit.

So I write back to him:
Dear {Lawyer's Name Here},

Thank you for your letter dated August 25, 2000. You have not disputed any of the laws which I quoted in my previous letter dated August 14, 2000. You have stated that Milford National Bank and Trust Company will not change or vary its requirements.

This tells me that Milford National Bank and Trust Company is in violation of Federal law. They have been informed of this fact and they are refusing to comply with the law. Furthermore, they have no plans on changing this policy and bringing themselves into compliance with Federal law.

This would seem to be an unlikely position that a financial institution such as Milford National Bank and Trust Company would knowingly find itself.

In order to clarify the position you are stating in your letters, could you verify the following please:

1. Milford National Bank and Trust Company is aware that according to Federal law there is no requirement that they obtain a SSN in order to open an account. (31 CFR 103.28)

2. Milford National Bank and Trust Company is aware that there is a provision within the law if they do not obtain a SSN. (31 CFR 103.34)

3. Milford National Bank and Trust Company is aware that it is a felony to compel the disclosure of the social security number of any person in violation of the laws of the United States. (42 USC Sec. 408)

4. Milford National Bank and Trust Company is aware that it is a violation of The Privacy Act to require a SSN if it is not specifically required by U.S. Law.

5. Milford National Bank and Trust Company will continue to deny a U.S. Citizen without a SSN an account regardless of any current Federal law.

6. Milford National Bank and Trust Company will continue to deny an account to anyone who is not otherwise required to obtain a SSN regardless of any current Federal law.

7. Milford National Bank and Trust Company has no plans to change the requirement to provide a SSN or TIN regardless of any current Federal law.

If these statements are not correct, please let me know. If I do not hear from you within 14 days, I will presume that since they are not rebutted they are correct.

I am also sending a copy of this letter, along with the previous letter dated August 14, 2000 to {Vice president}, Milford National Bank and Trust Company.

If I do not hear from you there will be no need for any further correspondence from me.

Is that the last I will hear from him? I think not.

Update 9/13/2000:

A fellow Patriot e-mailed a suggestion to me a few days ago. His suggestion was to ask the Bank for a copy of their Articles of Incorporation and their Corporate ByLaws. The only reason anyone would ask for these items would be to file a lawsuit. What a good idea!

Received another letter from the Milford National Bank's lawyers:


Well I guess he told me. This explains a lot. I can't presume anything beyond what he has told me. He hasn't claimed that they are in compliance with the law. He hasn't even attempted to dispute my claims. In effect, he has written several letters that stated only that this is their policy and they aren't changing it. To me, this means absolutely nothing.

So we reply:

Dear {Lawyers Name Here},

I am in receipt of your letter dated September 8, 2000. In response, I shall make no presumptions.

Milford National Bank and Trust Company is aware of the laws I quoted in my previous letters. I have sent a copy to you and I have dropped off a copy with Cynthia Saucier. I also saw her make a photocopy as well. You have been informed.

The law clearly states that it is not required that a financial institution obtain a SSN from an account holder. The Privacy Act makes it unlawful to require a SSN if it is not specifically required by law. You have not disputed these facts.

You have stated that Milford National Bank’s regulations require the submissions of an appropriate tax ID number (SSN in this case) for the opening of any and all accounts.

Milford National Bank’s regulations are in violation of Federal Law. You have stated that Milford National Bank will not vary its requirements.

Therefore, Milford National Bank is aware of the law, knows they are in violation and will not make the necessary changes to bring themselves into compliance.

Your policy must comply with the Law. You cannot violate the Law or the Rights of a Citizen. Non-compliance with the Law will result in the filing of a formal complaint with the appropriate State and Federal agencies against The Milford National Bank and Trust Company.

Sincerely,



{My Name Here}

I am now getting pretty tired of this. So far I have gotten nothing but "non-response."

Update 11/2/2000

I've been pretty lax here with no new activity on the bank account front. Well, seeing as how I haven't heard anything from Milford National (do I really want to do business with them?) I figured I would try a new bank. I stopped by Savers Bank in Uxbridge Massachusetts. I spoke with the assistant branch manager. of course the first question after my name was for a SSN. Of course they can't open an account without one. She had heard of people without SSNs though. Could it be word is getting out? Well, she made a phone call to their headquarters in Auburn Massachusetts and they confirmed that indeed, they cannot open an account without a SSN. I then mentioned the Privacy Act and the laws from the infamous "Notice." She gave me the phone number of the head of security in Auburn. When I got back to my office, I gave him a call.

The head of security basically told me that they can't open an account without a SSN and the reasons why. Of course there is the IRS reporting of interest, credit reporting etc. He was very adamant until I started quoting the law. This he hadn't heard of before. He asked me to fax over the details. I was kind of busy yesterday so I was unable to do it till today. This wasn't before I received a notice in the mail. It is a "Statement of Adverse Action." It basically states that my account was denied. It doesn't give any specific reason.

So anyways, I sent them a fax:

Bob,

I just received a statement of adverse action from Saver’s Bank. It did not list any reason why the account was denied. I believe it was because I will not supply a Social Security Number.

Please keep in mind that according to the Privacy Act it is unlawful to require a persons SSN unless it is specifically required by law. As you will see, the law does not require a person to submit a SSN. It is only required that a bank ask for it.

This is the law governing banks and id numbers:

31 CFR 103.28 requires identification as follows:

Before concluding any transaction with respect to which a report is required under Sec. 103.22, a financial institution shall verify and record the name and address of the individual presenting a transaction, as well as record the identity, account number, and the social security or taxpayer identification number, if any, of any person or entity on whose behalf such transaction is to be effected.

31 CFR 103.34 provides:

In the event that a bank has been unable to secure . . . the required identification, it shall nevertheless not be deemed to be in violation of this section if (i) it has made a reasonable effort to secure such identification, and (ii) it maintains a list containing the names, addresses, and account numbers of those persons from whom it has been unable to secure such identification, and makes the names, addresses, and account numbers of those persons available to the Secretary as directed by him.

Concerning IRS reporting requirements, this is only required of foreign persons and non resident aliens.

Title 26 CFR Sec. 301.6109-1

(c) Requirement to furnish another's number. Every person required under this title to make a return, statement, or other document must furnish such taxpayer identifying numbers of other U.S. persons and foreign persons that are described in paragraph (b)(2)(i), (ii), (iii), or (vi)of this section as required by the forms and the accompanying instructions. The taxpayer identifying number of any person furnishing a withholding certificate referred to in paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section shall also be furnished if it is actually known to the person making a return, statement, or other document described in this paragraph (c). If the person making the return, statement, or other document does not know the taxpayer identifying number of the other person, and such other person is one that is described in paragraph (b)(2)(i), (ii), (iii), or (vi) of this section, such person must request the other person's number. The request should state that the identifying number is required to be furnished under authority of law. When the person making the return, statement, or other document does not know the number of the other person, and has complied with the request provision of this paragraph (c), such person must sign an affidavit on the transmittal document forwarding such returns, statements, or other documents to the Internal Revenue Service, so stating. A person required to file a taxpayer identifying number shall correct any errors in such filing when such person's attention has been drawn to them.

The provision of asking for the taxpayer identification number is limited to those U.S. Persons and Foreign Persons listed in sec. (b)(2)(i), (ii), (iii), or (vi).

Title 26 CFR Sec. 301.6109-1(b)(2)

(i) A foreign person that has income effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business at any time during the taxable year;
(ii) A foreign person that has a U.S. office or place of business or a U.S. fiscal or paying agent at any time during the taxable year;
(iii) A nonresident alien treated as a resident under section 6013(g) or (h);
(iv) A foreign person that makes a return of tax (including income, estate, and gift tax returns), an amended return, or a refund claim under this title but excluding information returns, statements, or documents;
(v) A foreign person that makes an election under Sec. 301.7701-3(c); and
(vi) A foreign person that furnishes a withholding certificate described in Sec. 1.1441-1(e)(2) or (3) of this chapter or Sec. 1.1441-5(c)(2)(iv) or (3)(iii) of this chapter to the extent required under Sec. 1.1441-1(e)(4)(vii) of this chapter.
It clearly is not law that a SSN is required to open any account with a financial institution in the United States.

18 USC Sec. 242 and 42 USC Sec. 1983 provides that:

Whoever, under color of any law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom, willfully subjects any person in any State, Territory, or District to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States, ... shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; 42 USC Sec. 1983 further provides that a violator shall be liable to the party injured in an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding for redress.

Requiring a SSN when the law clearly does not require it is a felony.

42 USC Sec. 408 provides that:

Whoever ... (8) discloses, uses, or compels the disclosure of the social security number of any person in violation of the laws of the United States; shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction thereof shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both.

I understand that it may be your policy to require a SSN before opening an account. If this is the case, your policy is in violation of the law. Your policy must comply with the law and cannot violate the rights of citizens.

There are several reasons which I have for not disclosing a SSN.

Religious Objection. I believe that the SSN may be the mark of beast mentioned in Revelation 13. Also, participating in Social Security violates several of the 10 Commandments.

Political Objection. Social Security is by nature a Socialist Program. I am not a socialist. It is voluntary however and I no longer wish to volunteer.

I have never applied for a SSN. An application was made for me when I was 8 years old. I cannot be held liable for a decision that was made for me when I was an incompetent minor.

I can assure you that the laws quoted here are taken verbatim from the source. I invite you to look them up for yourself and you will see that this indeed is Federal Law. It is required that you comply with the law as it is written.

Thank You,

We shall see what this brings.

Update 11/6/2000

Gave a call to the security office of Saver's Bank today. They didn't have too much to say. They received my fax and he passed it on to the powers that be. They will have it tomorrow. We shall see what tomorrow brings.

Update 11/8/2000

Got to talk to somebody at Saver's Bank in Auburn. This guy was not very pleased to be talking to me. Why is it that people are so suspicious of somebody who no longer wnats to volunteer for Socialist Wealth Redistribution Programs? It was like he thought I was a drug smuggler or something. I got absolutely no where with that guy.

It's kind of strange. I show people what the law says. It's not that they don't believe me. At first they may not. They find out I'm right and they accept it. But, they still have to follow bank policy. Are these people above the law? Do they have their own sovereign territory? So far no one has told me where they get their "policy" from. I have a feeling it may be the FDIC. I'm sure they tie into it in some fashion.

Update 1/6/2001

Okay, so I haven't done much of anything on this for a while. I've been kind of disgruntled about the whole thing. I'm considering other options where I wouldn't need a checking account in my own name.

I wonder if it may be possible to file some sort of lawsuit against one or more of these banks. They are discriminating afterall. It would be pretty simple since the law is on my side. Stay tuned.

Final Update to this story 7/8/2002

My apologies for not finishing this when it ended. Shortly after my last update, I went to see the people at Business Management Systems. Together we put together a plan. We created an entity for the business. I no longer have nor desire a personal checking account. I have an EIN for the business for banking purposes only. I have transferred pwnership of nearly all of my assets to other entities.

I was able to open up a checking account for the business without a SSN. Beleive it or not, it took me three banks to do it. The first bank was Sovereign. I had, at that time a checking account with them. It had a SSN on it. They had it, sitting right there on their computer screen (I saw it) and they still would not open the account.

I then went to Milford Federal. There is a small branch nearby. They started the process and arguing with the [erson at this branch was a futile effort. They take their orders from the main office.

I then went to Webster First Federal Credit Union. They pretty much had the account opened when the SSN question came up. I simply stated, "I don't give that out for any reason." She gave me a weird look and then stated, "Well, I guess we'll have to put another number in there."

This all took place in April of 2001. I have been very pleased with how things are progressing. My car still belongs to me but when that goes, the business will buy one for me. I have a few things but not much. The business pays me enough for pizza and cigarettes and maybe enough for a movie from time to time. Everything else is a business expense. I have not had anyone return my check becasue it's a business check and not a personal check.

I did contact my health insurance provider and asked if I could send them a bussiness check instead of a personal check. I was told that it might not be accepted because I am on the "Bill at Home" program. Sure the bill is sent to my residence. It now gets paid from the business. They have not sent the check back and each month it gets deposited without a problem.

Since this took place before September 11, I would assume that there would be additional difficulties if I were to try this today.

As an additonal footnote, I have no personal checking account. Personally, I deal in cash. The business does pay me a token amount of money every month. This is sufficient to buy pizza and cigarettes. Everything else, belongs to the business.






"The independence and liberty you possess are the work of ... joint efforts, of common dangers, suffering and successes." -- George Washington
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