>I do not understand how that meets the requirements of the The Patriot Act. A tax identification number is required to comply and that is usually an ssn for individuals:
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>http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs31-CIP.htm#3
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>What identification number are they using then? Did the Patriot Act expire? I thought it was renewed? According to wikipedia it was on march 9, 2006...
>
>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_PATRIOT_Act

Well keep in mind that we are (now) living in a parallel world - those with influence is one, the rest of us is the other.

It could be that certain provisions of the act are meant to be read one way by the rest of us and another entirely different way by those with influence.
Or maybe President Bush did one of those "signing statements" that said he would obey/enforce only those parts of the law with which he agreed.

It may be that some over-zealous MBA expert at Bank of America went a bit too far in liberally interpreting the law (just occurred to me that it seems that 'conservatives' are most adept at 'liberally' interpreting things < s >). If that's the case either it will be stopped or regulations will quietly be amended to allow it. I'm betting on the latter if it proves to be the case.


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>>Bank of America is reported to have piloted a program aimed at giving credit cards to illegal aliens.
>>
>>Their "logic" apparently goes along the line that these people need credit services, are currently shut out and represent a huge market.
>>
>>So, anyone who has maintained an account for at least 3 months without ever overdrafting will now be able to apply for a credit card that:
>>a) has a higher than normal interest rate;
>>b) requires a deposit upon approval.
>>There is no need for a Social Security Number.
>>
>>I thought that credit card companies were just about ready to implode from bad debts (far too easy to get a card these days with big limits) but they've gone and found themselves a new frontier. That should hold off reality for them for a few more years yet.
>>
>>I wonder when credit card CUSTOMERS who handle their credit carefully will DEMAND that companies take FAR MORE CARE in issuing cards so that interest rates and penalties can be brought down to sensible levels??????