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Termyn8or -> RE: Dumb security questions you've been asked (1/29/2010 8:14:05 AM)
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It's like the cops around here when they write you a ticket. He takes your license back to his car, runs everything through a computer and knows it all pretty much. Before he does so he asks "What year car is this ?". When he comes back with your citation he asks again what year the car is.
Since you didn't put this in Humor I figure it's a real question. I think there may be two factors here. It's a psychological thing. In the case of the cops, they are wondering if you will rattle. How sure are you af the origin of said car, and, did you do a tag/title job on it ? (that's where you buy a clunker, steal a nice one of the same model and switch the serial numbers).
The other thing is to establish superiority. Really, asking you for your phone number right after they just called yo may seem silly, but it's not. They assume a superior position. And fret not, the person you talked to on the phone did not institute that policy.
In the US two main things are used for real security questions. One is the last four digits of your social security number, another is your Mother's maiden name. For a few things the billing zip code will work, like for credit card purchases or account information. Almost anything else is just playing with you, or there is a slight possibility that the call is being recorded and they want your own voice to state your name for example. It could just be for internal record keeping purposes, like to prove that they're active in assisting you.
Others might use a security question like "what's your pet's name ?". I got so pissed remembering all that shit I changed them all to "I don't remember". I think some ISPs use this, but anyone can get on the phone and, for example cancel your car insurance. What a way to fuck with someone eh ?
Much as I hate to say it, all this makes a good case for thumb or retinal scanners.
T
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