ORIGINAL: gouda
There is no benefit to having private information available without my permission. Your toll booth comparsion is way off base. The availability of a phone number never stopped a buyer and I never stopped a purshase because it wasn't available. In fact, I often looked at it as someone taking a risk. If it was needed, I furnished it.
I am very disappointed in you decision. Apparently you have not hear of identity theft.
I hope more members that those few here agree, but I really don't care. I have made my decision. I am sure the loss of one user, doesn't really matter, but .......
I don't imagine you'll refund monies paid for membership upgrades will you?
We will refund your membership pro rata if that is what you want (see below). What is fascinating is that when you upgraded put a CREDIT CARD on file! I'm at somewhat of a loss to understand how you are more concerned about your phone number being in our database??
I dare say that it's IMPOSSIBLE for someone to steal your identity using a phone number.
There is an expression that fits here: it's easier to wear slippers than to carpet the world. We can't turn our security meaures upsidedown because one or two users have a genuine fear of providing their phone number (but do not object to their credit card being transmitted to us). I'm not diminishing your personal feelings; I know they are genuine. It's just that we have a business to operate and we have to have rules that protect our members. If we take away the requirement for a phone number, I will have hundreds of people complaining. It's a balancing test and we made a decision.
When did you upgrade and to what level? It appears that you have downgraded yourself so I can't tell. Let me know and we'll make a pro-rata refund of your membership amount.
Michael