Answer:
Not only are social security numbers all too easily accessible, but customers are becoming more sensitive about this question as identity theft becomes more discussed.
Some of the other old chestnuts are equally problematic. "Mother's maiden name" is one that also deserves a quick burial, since this information is also too easily compromised.
Some banks (and others) are using "test questions" such as "What's your favorite childhood pet's name?" and letting the customer supply both the test question and the answer at account opening.
First published on BankersOnline.com 1/20/03
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