valid social security number is required for tank from Miracles Aquarium?

[ifarmer]

would you people please help me out as I am not sure this is the right thing to do.


I placed an order of a 120g tank from Miracles aquarium last month and they are preparing to ship the tank to my local depot.

Got this email from Miracles today telling me to provide a valid Social Security. (see below). anyone here has ordered tank(s) from Miracles? if yes, did you have to provide your SS#?

thank you -- Farmer.



here is the email that Miracles sent to me.
" In order to prepare import papers for your upcoming shipment I will require your social security # for US Customs. Please contact me at the office 1-800-720-2782 at your earliest convenience.
US Customs will not allow any freight shipment across the border without a valid social security number if personal or a EIN for businesses."


Please help.

 

[duke62]

Never give your SS to ANYONE other then employer tax forms or banks

 

[tangmaniac]

They need your ss# or tax Id # for customs on border because this considered international shipping ,
I had them ship me my tank couple years ago and went through same process .

 

[marrone]

It's probably very likely that because it's coming international and the dollar amount is above a certain threshold, that they would need either your SS# or if the item was going to a business a EIN.

A company in England sent our company a gift of umbrellas and because of the dollar amount we needed to supply FedEx our EIN to get them into the country. It all had to do because of the value of the item.

 

[crox99]

Make sure that you pay the sales tax on your nys tax return. I had clients that got nailed 3-4 years after they imported goods from Canada and the amount of interest and penalties were much higher than the actual tax due. Since they have your SS # it's not hard for nys dept of taxation to track you down and match it to your return.

 

[ifarmer]

anyone here has ordered tank from Miracles?
http://www.miraclesaquariums.com/

lots of folks here have tank made by Miracles.


thanks

 

[Tonyscoots84]

I still wouldnt give them my social. I worked very hard on my credit. Ask them for another option.

 

[thirty6]

I would call them directly before do anything or probide any information. It sounds legit bc of shipping, but i would call

 

[duke62]

Yeah i would NEVER give my SS to random people. Maybe you can call the TSA directly or whoever needs your SS

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

Would rather get the item elsewhere

 

[Tonyscoots84]

Giving your social security number over the internet (or to anyone) is like signing your life over to the big guy downstairs

 

[masterswimmer]

I'm not advocating giving them your SS #. I don't give it to anyone (except bank). However, if you do elect to give it, I'd be doing it with a phone call. Sensitive information like your SS # should never be sent in an email.

Russ

 

[dadat1968]

Is there any way to cancel your order if you are not comfortable in giving your SS? Just for a peace of mind And just order within the US?

 

[dadat1968]

If not call them rather than email. it feels more safer than sending it on email. Try to verify your order details too just to make sure its the company your talking to and not someone else. Goodluck

 

[duke62]

You dont give them your SS period. Whats the difference? All it takes is for one lazy worker to leave it on his desk or throw it in the trash and your nightmare will begin

 

[albano]

Since you probably already paid for the tank, I think you'll have no choice, but to provide the SS#, so that they can ship it.
I'd also bet, that this is why they don't tell you about this US Customs 'requirement' ... until after you've paid.

 

[BaaMNYC]

Is it possible to get the document and provide it to customs directly? That way only a government agency has it and not a foreign business.

Side note: just buy American next time.

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

Is it possible to get the document and provide it to customs directly? That way only a government agency has it and not a foreign business.

Side note: just buy American next time.

Bullseye!!! Perfect idea +1

 

[piranhapat]

Forums like this is very important. This might be the procedure but now this information is out. A company that does not explain requirements. I think is not honest company and basicly should tell they customers before hand. Even without the ask for SS#. I don't know why in ordering something like a basic tank and not through your LFS. It looks like a beautiful tank. But No way I would order through international for a basic tank and extra cost of shipment. Now you have to worry about someone that can sell your SS#. Thanks for letting us know how this company works. If only someone told you before hand. It's not your fault but I wondered if you ask before someone would of told you about SS #.

 

[marrone]

here is the email that Miracles sent to me.
" In order to prepare import papers for your upcoming shipment I will require your social security # for US Customs. Please contact me at the office 1-800-720-2782 at your earliest convenience.
US Customs will not allow any freight shipment across the border without a valid social security number if personal or a EIN for businesses."

For everyone that posted don't send them your SS# through an email you need to read what was sent by Miracles, as it states that he is to call the office.

You should also do research and understand what is required when he purchase things international, including asking questions from the seller.