Six Easy Ways to Protect Your
Privacy
Myrtle Welch
Source - Legal Resource Center
Are you concerned about the expanded capability that exist
to collect, store and use data about our personal,
financial and Medical histories? Here are a few ways to
help protect your Privacy.
- Credit Records
Get a copy of your credit report at least once a year.
Check for inaccuracies and correct mistakes before you
apply for a job, credit or insurance. Three major credit
reporting systems are Equifax, Experian and Trans Union.
Negative information must be re-verified within 30 days
after your request or the error will be remove from your
file. Go to `Online Resources' and look under Consumer
Law for contact information. http://www.prepaidlegal.com/info/mwelchco
- Medical Records
Ask for a copy of your file from the Medical Information
Bureau. Information from this data bank is shared by insurers
and helps them guard against fraud. Verify the accuracy
and completeness of your records with your healthcare
provider. The address for the MBI is at the website.
- Incentive Programs
Provide only necessary information on incentive, rebate
and warranty program forms. This data can be used to create
mailing lists that are then sold to marketers. Returning
warranty cards is beneficial so manufacturers can warn
you about product warnings and recalls. Request in writing
to opt out of any of their marketing programs.
- Telecommunications
Try to opt out of caller identification services. Caller
ID
allows you to see numbers before you pick up the phone
- you can choose not to answer. There are blocking mechanisms
to prevent your number from being displayed when you phone
out. Be aware that when you dial 800 and900 numbers, the
firm may match your number to your name and address to
add to customers lists for marketing.
Cellular and cordless phone conversations are easily monitored.
Do not reveal credit card numbers or other personal information
when using these phones.
- Direct Marketing
Ask organizations you do not wish to receive mail from
to remove your name from their lists. Contact the Direct
Marketing Association to have your name removed from the
lists of DMA members. Hit the `remove' URL from unsolicited
email and block the address.
- Identification
Do not permit merchants to record your credit or charge
card number on personal checks. Exceptions are special
purposes that you have pre-approved, such as emergency
check cashing. Do not write your telephone number on credit
or charge card slips.
For additional ways to protect your privacy as a consumer,
contact your local or state consumer protection agency.
Addresses and phone numbers can be found at the website.
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Myrtle Welch is an Independent Associate with Pre-Paid
Legal Services Inc. Low cost legal plans available for
individuals, families and business. FREE documents, forms,
contracts at online Legal Resource Centre
http://www.prepaidlegal.com/info/mwelchco
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