The potential abuse of privacy is one of the most troubling issues of the Information Age, says attorney Mitchell S. Ostwald, who offers valuable tips on how consumers can safeguard their personal, financial and medical histories.
"Today's technology has greatly expanded the ability of organizations to keep detailed data on people's spending habits and lifestyles," says Ostwald, a renowned consumer attorney and owner of the Law Offices of Mitchell S. Ostwald in Sacramento, California. "While this can mean improved customer services in many instances, it can also result in information ending up in the wrong hands. "
Ostwald urges consumers to take the following steps to protect their privacy:
Credit records. Credit bureaus compile records of individual consumers' credit habits to assist lenders, employers, and other businesses in assessing applicants. People should check their credit records periodically for inaccuracies . Credit records are usually maintained by credit bureaus which normally operate on one of three national reporting systems: Equifax, Trans Union, and TRW. An accurate credit background is important for anyone applying for a job, loan, credit, or insurance. Under the law, if you have been denied credit within the last 30 days, the report is free from the credit bureau that supplied the report to the creditor.
If you find inaccuracies, write the credit bureau and explain the error(s). The bureau is required to verify the information within a reasonable time or remove it from your file. If there is negative information that must remain in your file, you can tell your side of the story. Send the bureau a brief letter of explanation which must be kept in your file. Negative information is kept for seven years; bankruptcy information, for ten.
Medical records. The Medical Information Bureau (MIB) is a data bank used by 750 insurance companies. Medical and some non-medical information about you is collected from insurers and, with your authorization, shared when you apply for individual life, health, or disability insurance. MIB may have reports on applicants deemed high risks. The MIB helps insurers guard against fraud, as the cost of fraud is passed on to consumers through higher premiums.
You may obtain a translation of your MIB report free by writing to MIB. To verify its accuracy, discuss your MIB report and other medical records periodically with your doctor.
Telecommunications. "Caller ID" is a service offered by telephone companies in a number of states. Subscribing to Caller ID allows you to see the number from which incoming calls are placed before you pick up the telephone. If you do not recognize a number, you have the choice of answering or not. If you choose not to answer, you can use an answering machine or service to avoid missing important calls from unfamiliar number. If you do not want your number revealed to those who have Caller ID, see whether your local telephone company offers blocking mechanisms to prevent it from being displayed.
Companies with 800 and 900 numbers can use similar number identification technology to record your telephone number when you call. Be aware when you call that firms may also match your number to your name and address to add to marketing lists. Also, cellular and cordless phone conversations are easily monitored. You may choose to avoid conducting confidential conversations on these phones.
Direct Marketing. To reduce the number of direct mail or telephone solicitations you receive, write the companies that are contracting you and ask to be removed from their lists. Also, watch for special billing inserts provided by some companies which let you exclude your name from their lists.
Contact the Mail Preference Service and the Telephone Preference Service of the Direct Marketing Association (DMA). Your name can be removed from (or added to) the list of DMA members who participate in these programs, You will still get some mail and calls, but this will help reduce the volume. To control what information about you is kept , say "no" to telemarketers who want more information than you feel is necessary.
Identification. Do not write your telephone number on credit or charge card purchase slips. Major credit and charge card providers do not require a telephone number for identification. (If the merchant has not electronic connection with the card company to verify your account, you may still be asked to provide a telephone number. )
Avoid a common fraud trick by not allowing your credit or charge card account to be written on your check- especially if your driver's license number is being recorded as well.
Some states forbid merchants to record credit or charge card account numbers. Merchants are permitted to simply note whether you have a major credit or charge card as an indicator of your creditworthiness.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
To get a copy of your credit report:
- Equifax Credit Information Services, Wildwood Plaza, 7200 Windy Hill, Suite 500,
Marietta, GA 30067; ph. (800) 685-1111. - Trans Union, Consumer Relations, 25249 Country Club Boulevard, P.O. Box 7000,
North Olmstead, OH 44070; ph. (216) 779-7200. - Experian National Consumer Assistance Center, P.O. Box 2104, Allen, TX 75013-2104;
ph. (888) 397-3742) - TRW Consumer Assistance Center, P.O. box 749029, Dallas, TX 75374-9029;
ph. (800) 392-1122.
To get a copy of a medical information file:
- Medical Information Bureau (MIB) P.O. Box 105, Essex Station, Boston, MA 02112,
ph. (617) 426-3660.
To have a name removed from direct mail, telemarketing or e-mail lists:
- Mail Preference Service (MPS), Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 9008,
Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008. - Telephone Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 9015,
Farmingdale, NY 11735. - E-mail Preference Service (e-MPS), Direct Marketing Association.