It's important to find out what happens to the personal information you provide to companies, marketers, and government agencies. These organizations may use your information simply to process your order; they may use it to tell you about products, services, or promotions; or they may share your information with others. More organizations are offering people choices about how their personal information is used. For example, many let you "opt-out" of having your information shared with others or used for promotional purposes. Learn more about the choices you have to protect your personal information by contacting the following organizations.
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.
The FTC publishes free brochures on credit-related issues. For a complete list of publications, write for Best Sellers, Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580; or call (202) FTC-HELP, TDD (202) 326-2502.
Department of Motor Vehicles State departments of motor vehicles (DMVs) maintain a lot of personal information about you. (Just look at your driver’s license, for example.) A new federal law (Drivers Protection Act) gives you privacy rights with regard to information maintained by DMVs. The law lists the ways this information can be used — a DMV may distribute personal information for things like law enforcement, driver safety, insurance underwriting, etc. You have the right to opt-out of having the DMV distribute your personal information for other types of uses, including for direct marketing. Not every DMV distributes personal information for direct marketing or for uses not specified in the law. You have a right to opt-out only if the DMV in your state distributes personal information for these purposes. Contact the DMV in your state for more information. | AK
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Direct Marketers The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) offers the Mail and Telephone Preference Services, which allow you to opt-out of direct mail marketing and/or telemarketing from many national companies. Use the forms below to subscribe to the DMA's Mail and Telephone Preference Services. Visit the DMA's web site for their most up-to-date information.
The FTC publishes a free brochure on Shopping by Phone or Mail. For a complete list of publications, write for Best Sellers, Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580; or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357), TDD (202) 326-2502.
Last Updated: Saturday, September 16, 2000 |
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