Credit Info OPT OUT a hoax

[Guest guest]

Just wanted everyone to know that the Personal Credit Info OPT Out alert is

hoax.

Here's the note posted abt it on the HOAXBUSTERS website.

++++++++++++++++++

Credit Info Opt Out Hoax

September 2001

This hoax was started by someone who has confused some federal laws. A very nice

explanation of the confusion and the laws is available on the Privacy Rights

Clearinghouse web site. First, companies have always been able to sell or give

away information about you. A new law required companies to inform their

customers as to what their privacy policies were by July 1, 2000. What they do

with the information they collect from you must be disclosed in that policy. If

you don't want them selling your personal information you must check each

privacy policy for information on how to opt out or just not do business with

them.

The phone number given in the hoax is used by the major credit reporting bureaus

to allow you to opt out from receiving pre-approved credit offers. That is,

credit card companies buy credit reports on you and use them to send you credit

card offers. Opting out stops these offers.

A recent variant changed the date to July 1, 2001 and another changes it to July

1, 2002, and another changed it again to July 1, 2003. Looks like every year

someone is going to change the date and send it again. How about sending it to

the trash instead.

There is also a warning on the Equifax site about this hoax.

Sent: Friday, August 24, 2001 12:58 PM

Subject: (no subject)

THIS LAW TOOK EFFECT ON JULY 1 AND YOU HAVE 60 DAYS TO " OPT OUT "

I CALLED AND THE MESSAGE EXPLAINS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO.

IMPORTANT

Just wanted to let everyone know who hasn't already heard, the four major

credit bureaus in the US. 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-. 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 to know their social security number.

Be sure to listen closely, the first opt out is only for two years, make

sure you wait until they prompt you to press '3' on your keypad to

opt out for good.

Happy dialing!

Pass this info on to every one you know.

++++++++++++++++

Rachael in N.VA.

RNY - proximal 5-10-01 326 lbs

5-15-03 186 lbs