Many of my covid purchases came from J Jill, and I was more than satisfied. However, while visiting their Milford, CT store, the cashier informed me that because I'd shopped there before I needed to give them my phone number.
A customer before me was also told this, and she said she was very uncomfortable giving it out. So am I, and I told the clerk I wasn't going to provide it as it's a real security risk. She informed me that I couldn't purchase the item without a phone number (and I was using a debit card). I walked out without it, but bought the item online.
Here are some of the discoveries a reporter for the NYTimes found when giving out his number (to quote):
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/15/technology/personaltech/i-shared-my-phone-number-i-learned-i-shouldnt-have.html
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In an hour, this is what came up:
-My current home address, its square footage, the cost of the property and the taxes I pay on it.
-My past addresses from the last decade.
-The full names of my mother, father, sister and aunt.
-My past phone numbers, including the landline for my parents' home.
-Information about a property I previously owned, including its square footage and the mortgage taken out on it.
-My lack of a criminal record
Needless to say, I won't be shopping at a J Jill's store again. read more