Stealing Identities

[tly]

Several months ago there was a post followed by many responses regarding some legislative action about credit bureaus releasing data so folks would get 'spammed' with credit card and other requests. The post cited a congrssional bill # as well as a solution. The solution was an organization that wa possibly acting in behalf of the public in order to stop this junk mail. All you had to do was send your SSN, name, address, DOB and basiclly your life history and they would shut down the junk mail.

Does anyone remember this or have any info? It seems like any one who answered was exposing them selves. I responded, they sent forms (whichI didn't copy) gave them info and I still get same junk mail and am concerned about identity theft. I have since cancelled credit cards (least risk) and changed banks.

I posted this awhile ago and got no response. Maybe since CBS series on this threat we will be more informative?

Thanks

TLY

[targa2]

I have an idea why you are getting so many credit card apps but you would probably think me crazy if I told you. As for the other junk mail ,it's business as usual in the information age.I don't think that sending responses of this type are going to increase your exposure to any privacy issues.We are all part of a large database that is almost impossible to escape. You could't possibly open yourself any further to exposure than you are open now.I have heard of this technique for ridding yourself of unwanted mail but I beleive the postal service is the place to start.

[curious]

Targa2
I am very curious also as to spam. I do occasionally get those credit card offer via e-mail and snail mail and have always wondered why? I surely would'nt think you're crazy if you would enlighten us as to your idea of why!!!

thanks

[fishy1]

best guess as to why youre getting so many apps is you pay on time all the time most cards are from the same bank but different sponsors each sponsor takes their cut so they all want youre money make a late payment once but not twice in a row they'le slow down for a while

[Box]

I would not give anybody your SS number. Unless you totally trust them. That could leave your identity totally unprotected.

-Box

[Matches]

Here you go. All the info. below was from Experians Web site
at: http://experian.com/privacy/index.html

Opting out of preapproved offers

You can remove your name from prescreened credit or insurance offer mailing lists from Experian, Innovis, TransUnion and Equifax by calling 888 5OPT OUT (888 567 8688).

You will be given a choice to opt out for two years or permanently. If you elect to opt out permanently, you will be mailed a Notice of Election to Opt Out Permanently, which you must sign and return to activate your permanent opt-out. Even though your request becomes effective with Experian within five days of your notifying us, it may take several months before you see a reduction in the amount of solicitations.


Opting out of direct mail
Contacting the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) to opt out
Responsible marketing companies respect your choice to not receive direct mail advertising. DMA members, as a condition of membership, are required to suppress the names and addresses of individuals who have notified the DMA that they do not want to receive advertising by mail.

If you would like to opt out of direct mail advertising, send your complete name and address to:

Mail Preference Service (MPS)
Direct Marketing Association
P.O. Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735

As a DMA member, Experian subscribes to and suppresses any name and address on the DMA's MPS file from its direct mail marketing lists.


Opting out of telemarketing
Contacting the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) to opt out
Responsible marketing companies respect your choice to not receive telemarketing calls. DMA members, as a condition of membership, are required to suppress the phone numbers of individuals who have notified the DMA that they do not want to receive telemarketing calls.

If you would like to opt out of telemarketing calls, send your complete name, address and telephone number to:

Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
Direct Marketing Association
P.O. Box 9014
Farmingdale, NY 11735

As a DMA member, Experian subscribes to and suppresses any phone number on the DMA's TPS file from its telemarketing lists.

[Bird Dog]

One thing I can tell you is : When you get those ads, as boxes etc. and they say to "Click Here" if you do not want you receive, or be taken off the mailing list, what you have really done is verify that your e-mail address is valid. You may not get another message from that company, but they can sell those "valid" e-mail boxes to hundreds of other companies resulting in mucho more spam.

[TLY]

This is exactly it. Thanks much.

Maybe Ihavent waited long enough, but I still am uncomfortable ahving provided them mySSN

TLY

[T-Mac]

Social security numbers are pretty well public knowledge. For example, our driver's license numbers are our social security numbers in this state. That driver's license must be used as identification to pay via a check at any cash register. It is also used and noted on all hunting and fishing licenses, credit applications, etc. etc.

[Box]

Really? Wow...

Not here in MN.
-Box

[targa2]

The reason that we are getting so many credit card apps is because there has been talk of going back to the precious metals standard for backing currency.( Many people are not aware that this ever stopped)When the Euro became the standard currency for the European trading block it went to backing by precious metals.What does this have to do with credit cards you are asking by now.If and when the U.S. goes back to the precious metal standard there will be some changes to the way owing credit will be accounted for.One theory is that the banks will recieve a flat rate reembursement of $4000 for every card they zero under the new credit scheme.If this is true then it would be in the banks best interest to flood the market with credit cards in hopes that many of them will have substantially smaller balances than $4000.Sounds absurd but remember that money as we know it today is really just an intangiable "concept" rather than something "real" like a gold coin.Funny world we live in.