After researching cable providers in my area, I called an 800 number under Time Warner Cable.
The service representative began to set me up for cable, we discussed packages, etc. The person sounded like they were in a large call center in india or someplace - I am not sure if that was the case as I did not confirm.
We went through several steps - finding the package, giving my personal information, getting the total for the first month, getting my credit card for the first month, finding me an installation date, running a credit check and then the person offered me a bunch of "deals". I said no to everything.
I even asked why I had to give my credit card - usually cable companies bill you monthly. He had an answer that it was for the first month, had to hold my order, the service tech that would come out, etc. So I said fine. The gas company had just run a credit check upon opening that account so I didn't think anything of that either.
This person gave me a confirmation code and then forwarded me to the "installation" department.
Well upon reaching this person - we went through the SAME steps. I had to give my information all over again.
When he gave me a different installation date - I said - "oh the other service person game me x date - can we do that". He said that they only see a tentative schedule and that the date I was given was not actually available.
THEN... He asked for my social. I thought at first he wanted me to confirm it but then I realized he wanted to run another credit check. I asked why Time Warner is running two credit checks within 10 minutes of each other. He told me that actually, the other rep was NOT a Time Warner employee but that they run my credit to see what "deals" I qualify for.
I am not sure if this is legal and I have never been so outraged by someone posing as a company and taking all of my personal info.
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