    
Christine
Board Administrator
Username: Christine
Post Number: 1149
Registered: 09-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 01:53 am: | 
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7/26/03: I took me a LONG time to finally find info on opting out:
http://www3.ftc.gov/privacy/protect.htm#Credit
"Credit Bureaus
The three major credit bureaus may have different requirements on how to opt-out. You can write your own letter or use our Sample Opt-Out Letter to request that your personal information not be shared with others or used for promotional purposes.
The national credit bureaus offer a toll-free number that enables consumers to opt-out of all pre-approved credit offers with just one phone call. Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) for more information.
Visit the web site or phone each bureau for their most up-to-date information.(emphasis added)"
The credit bureau links are included, looks like the FTC is trying to get the CRAs some business, after all, you can't avoid seeing their ID theft warnings and that you need to send them your cash so that you can monitor ID theft.
On 7/18 I had looked up the info for my client and I had found that page:
"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."
I don't know what prompted the change and why the FTC is now sending consumers to the bureaus sites - maybe somebody at the FTC got a free lunch.
Also on the 18th, I had called the opt out number and found that it's all automated (as everything these days) and you CAN opt in again by using this number. |
