keep your social security information from being spread to credit agencies

Good post, thanks for the Info

Are you sure it is not a scam just to get your info?

Thats not what the recording says. It says only those with permissable access can get your info. Says the email is bogus.
Also says you have to contact everyone won't let you do anything buy phone.
You sure about this?

fuel

Your point on whether it is a scam is a good one. According to the FTC, the information is real, but still needs to be viewed with caution. I have pasted below the information from the FTC regarding this opt-out. I still think the Opt Out is a good idea, but some people don't give a shit. Thats their choice.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/optalrt.htm

FTC Consumer Alert!

Consumer Credit File Privacy: The Real Deal

Here's a prime example of "Don't believe everything you read" - especially when it comes via e-mail from someone you don't know.

Many consumers nationwide recently received the following e-mail:

"Just wanted to let everyone know who hasn't already heard, the four major credit bureaus in the U.S. will be allowed, starting July 1, to release your credit info, mailing addresses, phone numbers... to anyone who requests it. If you would like to "opt out" of this release of info., you can call 1-888-567-8688. It only takes a couple of minutes to do, and you can take care of anyone else in the household while making only one call, you'll just need their social security number."

The Federal Trade Commission wants you to know that this e-mail is full of half-truths and misinformation.

Here's the story:

Credit bureaus can release your credit information only to people with a legitimate business need, as recognized by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). For example, a company is allowed to get your report if you apply for credit, insurance, employment, or to rent an apartment.

In addition to the uses described above, lenders and insurers may use information in your credit file as a basis for sending you unsolicited offers. This is known as "prescreening." However, you have a right to opt out of these offers. The toll-free number - 1-888-567-8688 - is the "opt-out" line for the major credit bureaus for "prescreened" offers only. emphasis added by LawPal

The July 1 deadline relates to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLB), which set July 1, 2001 as the deadline for financial institutions to give you notice of their privacy policies and a way for you to opt-out of some of their information-sharing practices. You may recall getting mailings or statement inserts recently from your financial institutions, creditors, insurance companies and brokerage firms about this. The July 1 date is not a deadline for consumers to do anything. In fact, consumers can contact their financial institutions anytime to opt-out under GLB.

The FTC strongly advises that you not give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you know who you're dealing with. Identity thieves may pose as representatives of banks, Internet service providers and even government agencies to get you to reveal your Social Security number, mother's maiden name, financial account numbers and other identifying information. Legitimate organizations with whom you do business have the information they need and will not ask you for it.
For More Information

To learn more about your privacy rights under the FCRA and GLB, contact the FTC.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION FOR THE CONSUMER
1-877-FTC-HELP www.ftc.gov


December 2001

I'm jumping on this one.

Thanks!

thanks for the info, I will definitely be calling hehe

This deserves a bump...Thanks

I'm calling too -- fuck these credit assholes.

bump

Ummm that opt out # will only prevent you from receiving junk mail. Credit agencies will STILL have access to your SSN. I used to work for Transunion, and this is how they answer the phone
"Thank you For calling TU, Can I have your social security # pls?"

And we would NOT be able to pull up people's files to help them without a SSN. Credit agencies will ALWAYS have you SSN because its reported to them by your creditors.