About a year ago I mentioned that I tried to log onto America Online, but quit when it asked for such personal information as a credit-card number; I like to think it’s quite sensible not to give this information online (I don’t even give it on the telephone, unless I’m calling my bank.)
Recently, however, some of the computers in the library at El Camino College (that’s where I am right now) have already had AOL installed. But I still can’t access it unless I come up with the personal info. So I abandoned the effort.
Isn’t there some short-cut I can take to avoid this? I’d like to use AOL but not if I have to give out such information…
Well, they need your credit card number so they can bill you. You can’t set up an account without it.
Well, I work tech at AOL and I know two or three people in our SUBP department (Sign Up By Phone) that would love to hook you up :D. They get mad cash for all the people they sign up. You can call them at 1-800-466-5463. If you don’t want to use a credit card, you can also use a banking account, or we have this cool new service that lets us charge your phone bill. If you want that, you can call 1-888-839-8458. Hope this helps!
Mad cash, eh? I’d like to think I wouldn’t get mad about their policies…
The main problem here is that AOL is already installed in the computer and, presumably, the college pays for all use of these computers. Why should I get billed for it? Such chutzpah! I’ll try that 800 number and see if it works out…
I finally called AOL–this is not a priority matter with me. They said yes, I have to give some kind of card number to access AOL. I don’t mind this much, but before I actually try it I’m going to take it up with an attendant or supervisor in the college library, where the computers are installed. Nothing like playing it safe. 