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"Virus Hoax:
Urband Legend Example"
Virus Hoax Warnings: Page 30
of 57
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 1-888-567-8688. 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 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.
Copyright 2004 by Jay Jennings
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