Crankshaft by Tom Batiuk and Dan Davis for January 29, 2023

No terrorists would ever want you, Ed.

Defense against the dark art.

Send Ed to the terrorist with his “tools” and the terrorist will soon be begging us to name any price to take him back.

I know Crankshaft isn’t exactly a popular strip, but I’ve read most of this month’s strips and I have to admit, I actually kind of like it. It’s not my favorite strip but it’s a decent strip overall and it gets a few chuckles out of me. I respect the opinion of those who don’t like it but can’t say I understand why they don’t like it (Funky Winkerbean, on the other hand…).

I graduated from college in 1973. My social security number was also my student ID number. Stores that accepted checks would ask folks to write their SS number on the check. I’m not sure when identity theft became a problem, but it probably started with the internet!

When Churchill flew to Moscow for a meeting with Stalin, “it was whispered” that if his plane was forced down in Axis territory, his bodyguard had been ordered to shoot him.

SO! What was the point of all this this? Aside from the one on Batty’s balding head.

You would be amazed at how many places don’t really need your SS# after they ask for it. Always challenge it, they have you by address, birthdate, etc.

What does she need his social security number for? In Canada, only government agencies can ask for it, and most don’t because they can find it quicker than you can. Usually only CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) (IRS to you Americans) asks for it. Sometimes for government service requests you need it. Retailers do NOT and CANNOT ask for it.

Ed, you are the terrorist!

Sir, do you even have a SS# ?

When I was a cop, when the internet started becoming more mainstream, a woman came to the station and told me how she got one of those “your account is locked” emails. She replied and answered everything- D.O.B. SS # bank account numbers PINs, EVERYTHING! She asked me what to do. I told her she was screwed. Contact the credit bureaus and put a lock on everything. I wonder what happened with that?

As long as I’m reminiscing, there was another lady who came to the station with a letter saying she has won the Canadian lottery. Of course she had to send a fee so the funds could “clear Customs.” I told her it was a scam. She doubted me. I asked her if she had ever been to Canada. She hadn’t in many years. “So how could you have won?” She was still thinking it over when she left. If people didn’t fall for these scams, scammers wouldn’t do them….

I feel like this could’ve easily been a weekday three-panel strip.

Well, if terrorists wanted your SSN and you couldn’t give it to them, they’d probably just go ahead and kill you. So that might not be such a great plan.

Hmmm-SS#s aren’t to be used as an ID—

I only list the last 4 digits of my ss# on paperwork.

When I got my SS card, WAAAY back when, I laminated it because it was so flimsy. Only then did I realize I forgot to sign it first!

Well, for once Ed is correct. There is no reason for the teller to be asking for that. She should be asking for his account number.

And before you say she could be opening an account for him, you wouldn’t just walk up to the window and open an account. That would be done with a manager or whatever, at a desk with paperwork, etc.

Wow. Torture is comical? Not funny guys.

I keep it in a fire box till I know I’ll need it.