Spring Break
The Daily OrangeFree pitas come with a catch
By Ali Pickering
Posted: 9/23/07, 11:46 PM EST Section: News
Adam Beilman, an undeclared S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications freshman, went through the process both Tuesday and Wednesday this week. He said that students did not fill out actual credit card applications, but they did give information so that applications could be mailed to them.
"We had to bring our student ID and give them our social security number twice," Beilman said. "The guy at the booth said they couldn't process it without our social security number, which seemed kind of weird."
Some, like Beilman, complied and filled out the requisite information and were then given a blue slip to exchange for a free pita at Pita Pit. For Beilman, giving out his personal information was well worth the time.
"The pitas were delicious," Beilman said.
Others found the information required to be unnecessary.
"We saw there was a line for signing up for a credit card or something, so we just left," said Kyle Gulamerian, a Newhouse freshman.
Citi paid Pita Pit for the number of pitas given out, but other than that, there was no advertising or promotion fee exchanged.
The pita for credit card advertising campaign, besides the flyers being handed out on campus, was not against SU policy. The "application for an application" process skirted around but did not directly violate the rule against gift-giving in exchange for filling out a credit card application.
"We had to bring our student ID and give them our social security number twice," Beilman said. "The guy at the booth said they couldn't process it without our social security number, which seemed kind of weird."
Some, like Beilman, complied and filled out the requisite information and were then given a blue slip to exchange for a free pita at Pita Pit. For Beilman, giving out his personal information was well worth the time.
"The pitas were delicious," Beilman said.
Others found the information required to be unnecessary.
"We saw there was a line for signing up for a credit card or something, so we just left," said Kyle Gulamerian, a Newhouse freshman.
Citi paid Pita Pit for the number of pitas given out, but other than that, there was no advertising or promotion fee exchanged.
The pita for credit card advertising campaign, besides the flyers being handed out on campus, was not against SU policy. The "application for an application" process skirted around but did not directly violate the rule against gift-giving in exchange for filling out a credit card application.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Andrea Rabbia
posted 9/24/07 @ 9:08 AM EST
How ironic that at the bottom of this article is a paid advertisement from Citi mtvU Platinum Select Visa Card!
A Beilman
posted 9/24/07 @ 11:53 AM EST
I got a kick out of reading this. I actually hung it on my wall, despite the fact that I sound like a fatass in my quotes.
Also ironic - next to the article in the DO is an ad for Pita Pit. (Continued…)
Chase
posted 9/24/07 @ 2:12 PM EST
I wonder why identity theft is so high among college students.....your identity for a free pita sweet.
Ted Cahoon
posted 9/24/07 @ 4:14 PM EST
Ali on THE FRONT PAGE! A most well written report on the deceptive means credit card companies are using to take advantage of vulnerable, and hungry, college students. (Continued…)
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