Bovada holding deposits hostage in exchange for social security #s

[Ian]

Very pissed about this.

I just recently reloaded my account that I've used for years. I have deposited and withdrawn many times without a problem. This time, however, after I make the cash transfer and they accept it they call to tell me that I won't have the money in my account until I give them part of my social security number. I pretty much had to tell them because they already had my money.

This is totally unprofessional behavior on their part. If Bovada really needs sensitive personal information then they should tell their customers up front. Furthermore, all customers already have security questions that must be answered in order to make deposits and withdrawals, so social security numbers aren't even necessary.

Holding people's deposits hostage in exchange for social security numbers (including just portions of social #s) is unnecessary, antagonizing to their customers, and at minimum gives the appearance of breach of privacy.

If they don't fix this policy they deserve to be called out on it.

[oiler]

why would they need your social security number never asked for mine

[cutter2225]

why would they need your social security number never asked for mine

I've never been asked by any book and simply wouldn't provide that info to any book.

[Russian Rocket]

There is no such a thing as being upfront when it comes to Bovada

[Ian]

why would they need your social security number never asked for mine

I don't know. As far as I can recall they never asked for mine before also.

I've never been asked by any book and simply wouldn't provide that info to any book.

I agree with this. However, once they already have your money what choice do you have? Having them send the money back and eating fees twice from halfway around the world isn't a very attractive option... and that might not even be an option.

It would be a different situation if they told me up front. I would have just deposited with another book instead.

[mtneer1212]

No offshore book will ever get my Social Security number. That is identity theft waiting to happen.

[Keith Richard]

Are you positive it was Bovada calling you?

[Ian]

Are you positive it was Bovada calling you?

100% Well... 99%.

I had just called in with the necessary information for them to pick up my deposit. They called me back saying they had picked it up and had the money, but they needed the social digits in order to put the money in my account. They said they needed it to verify the account as mine, which was horseshit because they called me and verified my two security questions. Also, what would they suspect me of doing? Defrauding them into taking my deposit?

[dww123]

What good would a partial SS # do anybody?

[Monte]

So why are people still using that shit book?
That's even more puzzling...

[SBR Lou]

Hi Ian,

Thanks for sharing. Bovada is big on KYC, it can be an inconvenience but it sounds like you got off easy. We've seen some Euro-focused books request pictures of holding documents, needing docs notarized, so on and so forth.

Good thing is once you're fully verified, you're all set.