I (minor) just bought a visa debit card, and my mom won't let me activate it.?

Question

I'm 15, and I just bought a visa debit/prepaid card from HEB/netspend.com, and was told that in order to activate it, I was told that I needed to fax them my mom's social security card, my birth certificate, and my social security card. I told my mom that and she got mad and told me that is private information and a social security card should be kept to one's self. What do I tell her? I mean, it's visa isn't it? What do I say?

But I bought the card at HEB, and it's labeled with the visa sign, both big businesses. Isn't that trustworthy enough?

Answer 1

Those requirements are completely nuts.

Get a refund and find a prepaid debit card that doesn't require ridiculous amounts of personal information. I'm with your mom on this one.

Answer 2

In regards to the netspend.com being a scam. No it's not. It is a prepaid card that can be recharged at several different places. The grocery store HEB and check cashing place Money Box are two of the places they can be recharged. I have and a netspend visa for almost 2 years now. I use the card to seperate some of my business expenses, works great. They even have direct deposit which I use to deposit from my business merchant account and you can also trasfer from PayPal. I provided my ssn when I activated my card. I have 3 cards, my business, personal and my husband has his allowance card :o). They are very much on the up and up.
With that said........ I don't understand why a minor would need a credit card. Perhaps you want to load your allowance and use it for downloading music or something. Not to point the finger, but just an FYI, several prepaid cards can't be used for online access to areas of the internet only slated for adults.
As a mom.... I kinda like the idea of a prepaid card. Would make it easy for my to transfer money (like I already do my hubby) and I could keep an eye on where the money is spent. Also keeps change out of the dryer!!

Answer 3

I would go back to the store with your mom. Have the manager call net spend or there prepaid card service to authorize a refund. Usually, you will not get a refund. Since you are a minor. They will have to issue a refund as long as you have the receipt.

Debit cards with or without the MasterCard & Visa symbol are protected in the U.S.

Debit cards with a Mastercard or Visa symbol are also proctected under Mastercard and Visa zero liblity policy in the U.S. and can be used online and by phone.

Gift and prepaid debit cards with either Mastercard or Visa symbol are NOT protected at all in the U.S. some can be used online and by phone. Some require you to register the card online. Some do require you to provide a social secuirty number.

However, I wouldn't fax them any info. They should accept it over the phone. .

You could give or sell it to someone else if you can not get a refund. This way they can use it. Some people don't mind giving the ss number out.

Answer 4

Just because they are selling VISA debit cards does not equate to the fact that 'they' are Visa. Get your money back, go to your local bank and purchase a MasterCard gift card. Why do you need a Visa? You can get less expensive prepaid cards almost anyplace at local banks, etc. You will need to give a social security number to buy these cards too. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 5

Listen bud. You don't BUY visa cards. You have a checking account at your bank that offers a bank card with a visa logo on it, meaning you use it anywhere visa is accepted. Its like writing a check with out the hassle. The money comes out of your checking account. That's all you want. When your 18, you will want to get a credit card, only use it to put gas in your car once a week. Then set aside money to pay for it at the months end. Having a credit card increases your credit to debt ratio increasing your credit score which lowers your finance charges (interest rate) when you ask for a load.

Answer 6

Another suggestion that doesnt answer your question but is a word of warning. When you use a debit card and you get ripped off by a fraudulent company, you have no recourse and your money is gone. Alway use a credit card, not a debit card, and you will have protection from fraud. Debit cards are a big mistake unless you know for sure the company you are dealing with.

Answer 7

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
I (minor) just bought a visa debit card, and my mom won't let me activate it.?
I'm 15, and I just bought a visa debit/prepaid card from HEB/netspend.com, and was told that in order to activate it, I was told that I needed to fax them my mom's social security card, my birth certificate, and my social security card. I told my mom that and she got mad and told me that is...

Answer 8

There are liabilty issues here.

The company can not hold you or your parents liable for your charges because you are a minor. This holds, unless they have your mother's direct permission and approval (indemnity - or guarantee). The policy of providing all the documents is likely in place to ensure you're not forging your mother's signature and you really have her permission. This way she is on the hook for you.

I don't know about the company, but the other user might have a point about being a scam. Tred very, very carefully with a company such as this.

Answer 9

Be careful in choosing a card. Some cards come with "zero liabilty" policies; the charges vary widely from card to card; and the typical protections that you have with a credit card are not present. The real issue with a prepaid Visa is the customer service of the issuing bank. Avoid U.S. Bank -- they are terrible. The OCC has issued advisories about these cards with tips for consumers at http://www.occ.treas.gov/ftp/release/2004-108a.pdf.

Answer 10

Well first of all giving away your Social Security number is a good way to have your identity stolen and second of all "netspend.com" sounds like a flat out scam, you may want to try a Mastercard debit card or Chase.

P.S. Hope this will help