I'm on a bunch of expats forums and on one, someone who's being transferred to New Jersey is being told by his "relocation egg spurt" that in order to buy a car from a dealer in NJ (even when paying cash), they need an SSN before they can drive the car off the lot.
I'm surprised by that, does anybody know if that really is the case?
Is this an actual law or the dealers suggesting it is as described here:
http://www.carbuyingtips.com/scams.htm
Just wondering...
The patriot act thing stems from provisions to prevent money laundering, and is based on transactions which would be reportable to the IRS. (which include buying (many non-GRMish) cars in cash)
Some info: (link where it came from is in there)
I tried to open a new account with a private business, but the business requires my Social Security number. They say they will not do business with me without the number. I do not want to give it out. What are my rights? Usually you are not legally compelled to provide your Social Security number to private businesses unless you are involved in a transaction in which the Internal Revenue Service requires notification. The Patriot Act requires financial institutions to verify customers' identities, which can involve the SSN. There is no law, however, that prevents businesses from requesting your SSN, and there are few restrictions on what businesses can do with it. But even though you are not legally required to disclose your SSN, the business does not have to provide you with service if you refuse to release it. So in a sense, you are strong-armed into giving your SSN. This is often the case when applying for insurance and opening utility accounts. But don't give up. Be sure to ask if there is an alternate number that you can provide to the company, such as your driver's license number. Also ask if you can provide a deposit rather than giving your SSN to the company. For more information and on advice for dealing with these situations see Fact Sheet 10 www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs10-ssn.htm For more information on Patriot Act requirements, see Fact Sheet 31, available at: www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs31-CIP.htm.
I am not a U.S. Citizen. What can I use to open an account? For non-U.S. citizens who do not have a SSN, one of the following numbers can be used: Passport number and country of issuance. Alien identification card number. Number and country of issuance of any other government-issued document bearing a photograph.
If you pay with actual greenbacks, yes, they will have to file with the IRS.
I paid for my car with a bank check. They tried to ask for my SS#. I called the General Manager over and asked if he wanted the sale or not.
They never got my #.
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