When to Blurt Out to Protect Your Credit and Identity

I hate to be that crazy person. You know the type...the one who makes a big stink about something that the rest of us don't worry about. The one who holds up the line. The one who starts sentences with, "Well, actually..." The one who bothers secretaries, administrators and store clerks. But after my experiences working in the personal finance industry there are a few situations that I just have to speak up about:

• Why do you need my Social Security number? This one really gets me fired up. Just last week when I called my doctor's office to make an appointment the receptionist asked me for my full Social Security number instead of my name. I blurted out, "Is that really needed just to make an appointment? That's crazy!" and insisted on giving my name instead. I'm sure the receptionist was rolling her eyes on the other end of the line. I understand that doctor's offices need to have Social Security numbers on file for insurance purposes, but they certainly don't need to use them for simple clerical matters like making an appointment.
• No, I don't want to save 15% by opening a Macy's card. Retail store cards are generally a bad idea. Sure, you'll save a few bucks now, but you'll also damage your credit score with an inquiry and be stuck with the card on your credit report for 7+ years. Plus, retail store cards often come with high APR's and fees. Whenever a clerk launches a hard sales pitch for a retail store card, I start ranting about the downsides. And woe to the clerk who tells me my credit won't be checked for the application!
• Checking your credit report does NOT harm your credit score. I can't even guess the number of conversations I've had on this topic. Cocktail parties, weddings, funerals, business dinners...I've geeked out in all types of social settings when someone mentions that they don't check their credit because they don't want to damage their scores. I don't get why this rumor survives with cockroach-like persistence.

Oh my, I am such a credit nerd! How about you? What situations make you speak up? Share your stories in the comments section below.