HOW TO KEEP YOUR INFORMATION PRIVATE

(RS200)

Imagine a world where every item you purchase at the supermarket, every magazine you subscribe to, theater ticket you buy, meal (including entrée, dessert and drinks) you charge, gift you donate, plus your height, weight, age, how well you see, how much you pay in taxes, the value of your home, what you do for a living, the names and ages of your children – all this information and more, were available in the blink of an electronic eye to virtually anyone who wanted it.

You don’t have to imagine it. You’re living it. In today’s world, electronic data gathering, storing and disseminating is happening at an unprecedented rate. Bigger and faster computers are gobbling up and spitting out information faster than you can say, “Hey, wait a minute!” and the nose being poked into everybody’s business is for rent, sale or exchange to just about anybody who asks.

Many consumers say access to private information has gone too far. Not only is too much information available too easily, the individual on whom the data is gathered has no control over how those facts – correct or incorrect – are used.

If you want to keep information about you private, here are some do’s and don’ts.

The first step in guarding your privacy is to find out what information about you is already stored in data banks.

· Credit Reports

Credit reports about you are available to anyone with a “legitimate business need.” This information could determine whether you get a job, a loan, insurance or an apartment. Check your credit reports at least yearly to determine if information about you is accurate. You can request reports from each of the largest credit reporting agencies ($8 each) by calling:

Experian (800) 682-7654

Equifax (800) 685-1111

Trans Union (800) 851-2674 or (800) 916-8800

Each company may have different information, so it’s important to request a report from each. While you’re talking to the agencies, find out how to get you name removed (how to “opt-out”) from their lists that are rented or sold.

· Medical History

Your medical history may be stored in an insurance industry data base. You can get a copy of your records (for $8) through the Medical Information Bureau, by calling (617) 426-3660 or write:

MIB

P.O. Box 105, Essex Station

Boston, MA 92112

In some states, you have a right to see the medical records held by your doctor or other health providers. Check with you state’s medical board or physician licensing agency.

· Social Security

You can find out if your account has been tampered with and whether or not your earnings have been properly recorded by requesting a Social Security Earnings Benefits Statement from the Social Security Office. Call (800) 772-1215 for information.

· Department of Motor Vehicles

Like many government records, DMV records are public and accessible to anyone. Some states give you the option to remove your DMV records from the list they make available to others. To check your driving records or to “opt-out” of the lists they make available to others, visit your local DMV office. There may be a fee.

GET OFF LISTS AND OUT OF DATA BANKS

· National Mailing Lists

You can get your name off many national direct marketing lists by writing the Direct Marketing Association. Tell them to add you to their “delete” file which is sent to subscribing organizations several times a year.

Direct Marketing Association

Mail Preference Service

P.O. Box 9008

Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008

Consumer Protection Association of America will actively pursue any complaints on your behalf with other organizations which continue to contact you after you’ve requested to be taken off their list.

You can file a complaint on-line at www.consumerpro.com.

· Telephone Directory & Reverse Directories

List only your telephone number in the telephone book and tell the phone company to remove your listing from its street address directory. Or request an unlisted telephone number and request that it not be included in any directories.

· Gifts, Donations, Memberships

Tell charities, non-profits and organizations to which you five or belong, that you don’t want your name and address added to any mailing lists that are available to others.

· Subscriptions

When you subscribe to a publication, make sure you tell them to keep information about you to themselves: Don’t rent, sell or exchange it.

· Telemarketing Lists

Tell every telemarketer who calls you to take your name off their list. (They’re required by law to honor your request.) Write the DMA to be added to their “don’t call” list.

Telephone Preference Service – Direct Marketing Association

P.O. Box 9014

Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014

YOU CAN ALSO

Use Caller ID, Call Blocking and other services provided, for a fee, by your telephone company
Request that your telephone number is blocked from access by Caller ID equipment used by those whose numbers you call.
Use a post office box instead of your home address to receive your mail.
Be Assertive!
The only way to keep your information private is to guard it. Don’t comply with every request for information about you. Ask why. Say no. Be stringent, give only the minimum required.
DON’T...!
Don’t give out information without good cause.
This includes your phone number, address, and especially your social security number. Always ask why information about you is needed. You can choose to whom you give information and what information you give. Your social security number is required only on tax forms, employment records and most banking, stock and property transactions and credit reports. For any other use, request an alternative number. Always ask for the procedure to have your information kept private by the agency or organization.
Don’t pay by automatic withdrawal cards or credit cards or any card that is “swiped” unless it is absolutely necessary.
Every swipe means that much more information about you has been noted on some computer somewhere.
Don’t join “buyer’s clubs” at stores or supermarkets.
Information about your buyer preferences may be added to a data base each time you use your membership card. Plus information on applications may be sold to direct or telemarketers.
Always request the store’s privacy policy and that your personal information is not to be used by others
Don’t call 800, 888, 877 or 900 numbers unless you have an established relationship with the company.
Your phone number may be captured through an Automatic Number Identification system and sold. If you do call, make sure to tell the business you do not want information about you added to any lists that may be rented or exchanged.
Don’t pre-print your phone number on your checks.
Always ask the purpose for additionally requested information. Never pre-print your social security number on anything.
Don’t toss your mail out without tearing in half anything that has your credit card numbers or other info about you that could be used by someone else.
Do keep two separate trash bags. Or get a paper shredder for your home.
Don’t sign up for sweepstakes or contests.
Most giveaways and drawings are designed as a method to gather names and addresses for marketing purposes.
Don’t fill out product registration cards.
The receipt you receive when you pay for an item, along with the product warranty, will be sufficient if a problem arises. Product registration cards are often used to gather marketing information.
Don’t reveal credit card numbers, bank account numbers or other sensitive information via cordless and cellular telephones.
Conversations on these phones are relayed via radio signals and might be picked up by scanners.