In a relative short time-span, cell phones have become tightly woven into the fabric of interpersonal communication.  One new product that seems to be taking hold are ‘Pre-Pay’ cell phone plans.  Many consumers prefer this means as a way of staying connected since it does away with bothersome service contracts, and those often puzzling monthly statements.

Pre-Pay plans offer a growing attractiveness to young adults; with a strong following among young adults attending college since there is comfort found with tight control on student spending. Additional minutes are added easily by purchasing a ‘chit’ of PIN number usually at $20, $30 and 50 dollar increments, which the user then keys into their phone unit.

Until recently, users purchased plastic cards from retail stores. Now minutes can also be purchased at the register with the PIN provided as a paper receipt.  This practice is much more environmentally friendly but apparently not enough for some.  Perhaps well intentioned, one nationally recognized electronics retailer now has a system in place that eliminates the plastic card and the paper receipt.  Good idea you think?  On the surface yes, but the devil is in the detail.

In order to provide the uber-conservation friendly service, this well know retailer requires you provide the number of the cell phone to which minutes are being added.  Your cell phone number is then keyed into the retailer’s customer database and only then can additional minutes be added to your phone.  Can you hear the security alarm bells ringing?  When was it decided that in order to make cash purchases you have to disclose what should be regarded as personal information?

Closely protecting personal information is imperative to sound personal protection and security practices. If you are a student, you have enough to concern yourself with. Don’t be lulled into believing that you are required to disclose personal information to anyone for any cause; especially information that is collected for reasons that are not entirely clear.  The idea that your personal phone number will be collected and placed into a non-governmental database should spark you to politely gather your belongings and headed straight for the nearest exit.

Pre-pay phone plans offer benefit to many who elect to use them and can add to our safety and peace of mind.  Just remember to use them wisely, as with any other phone, and guard your personal information and identity like a hawk.  And if you wish to be environmentally responsible, paper receipts will do just fine, provided of course, they are printed from recycled products.  Stay Safe!