Do terra-ists get dental work?

[wryter2000]

I was at my dentist's the other day getting finance for some expensive work. The finance company (Capital One...I know, I know...I didn't get a choice) started in with something like "In order to keep our country free of terrorism, it's sometimes necessary..."

My mind did a flip at that point, and I didn't quite make out the rest except it involved releasing or using my identity, address, and social security number. I honestly had no option but to agree and hope for the best.

Does anyone know what the hell that was about? I'm sure Capital One didn't think it up. I'm planning to call my Congresswoman (the glorious Barbara Lee) and complain, but it would be helpful if I knew more what I was talking about.

[ck4829]

1. Of course they do

They also frequent the libraries, which is why the government needs to see what we are reading, they're just protecting us.

:sarcasm:

[MADem]

2. They apply for credit, apparently. Was it this rider?

Apparently they have "Federal law" on their side.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PROCEDURES FOR APPLYING FOR OR OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT.
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. What this means for you: When you apply for or open an account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth and other information that will allow us to identify you.

http://www.capitalone.com/creditcards/products/9822/3/disclosures.php?linkid=WWW_Z_Z_01_CCOMP_C3_02_T_C192D

[wryter2000]

3. Thanks so much

What's weird is...wouldn't they need that, anyway? Why do they have to put in the terrorism language?

[MADem]

5. I seem to remember that creeping in right after Nahn Wun Wun changed everything

See, they were going for our PATRIOTISM (It may have been a Patriot Act addition--as we know, no one read that thing anyway!!!)....and figuring most of us weren't laundering money! I don't really know the WHY of the language, but in most privacy act documents, you have to say WHY you are collecting the information, otherwise, you can get in trouble if you use it in ways other than those that you specify. It's like Linda Tripp's personnel record--they gathered the information on her criminal history for clearance purposes, but they got in hot water when they released that shoplifting or theft charge (I forget precisely) to the media to discredit her skanky, ugly, sleazy, gossiping, furtively taping ass. It was a stupid bastard at the Pentagon that did that--caused Clinton more trouble on top of the rest of his woes.

[Rosemary2205]

7. My bank and credit card sent this to existing customers also

They are not gathering additional information for the government. This paragraph is simply their way of telling you the federal government may force them to turn over all your private information that they already have. They are simply calling your attention to the new reality. This is an industry wide practice since the law was enacted.

[wryter2000]

9. Hmmm

I guess this is the first time I've applied for credit since 9/11/01.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

4. It depends on their Benefits Plan.

Of course, the insurance providers are forced to take into account such variables as the nature of the terrorism. i.e., Suicide Bombers rarely make claims; Some dental needs are made by their captors; and, the client can use aggressive methods when claims are denied.

[Az]

6. Some terrorists are dentists

[wryter2000]

8. LOL

Marathon Man? I hated that movie, despite the cast.