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Another newbie question - SSN vs. EIN

August 05, 2019 04:33PM
SSN verifies instantly. EIN takes 2+ weeks. Is there any benefit to an EIN? I hate dropping my SSN number on-line. Is SASSIE solid with SSNs?
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August 05, 2019 05:09PM
Sassie sites are solid. EIN is totally unnecessary! I have my SSN with over 100 MSC sites since 2005. No problems.

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
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August 06, 2019 07:24PM
I concur with walesmaven. I just said "no" to EINs. A few companies wanted me to do that and threatened to not let me shop for them anymore if I did not get one. I did not get one. They still let me shop for them.
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August 07, 2019 04:45AM
I got an EIN to avoid putting my SSN out there with 100 companies. However, some posters have said that their local jurisdictions found out and wanted them to buy business licenses and undergo inspections so I guess it depends on where you live. My local government is only moderately rapacious and I have had no problems.
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August 08, 2019 06:18AM
When I first started shopping in 2005 ish, I got an EIN to put into those first few MSCs that I signed up for. (<10)

Then I lost my EIN letter and continued signing up with MSCs and just used my SSN.

I have never, ever used my EIN since and it's a PITA to have it, really. When I do banking, they always question it.
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August 08, 2019 11:33AM
Frankly, there is no "security" benefit to using an EIN. The bad guys can access those just as easily as they can SSNs, folks. Think about it.... EIN numbers are "stored" exactly where SSNs are. Raid the "storage" site, and you get both.

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Reply
August 08, 2019 12:33PM
I also did not like the idea of having to buy city and county business licenses.
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