Opt-out | Financial privacy -- The World Privacy Forum has updated its popular Top Ten Opt Out list to reflect several new change made to the Direct Marketing Association opt outs. In the past, some of the DMA opt-outs, like the Direct Marketing Association's mailing preference lists, used to cost $1. That fee has now been removed for people opting out online. Please see item #3 on the Opt Out list for the complete update.
Security Freeze update | Financial privacy -- As of November 1, 2007, the ability to place a security freeze is available nationwide at the three major credit reporting bureaus. To date, 39 states and the District of Columbia have some form of security freeze law. But now, even in the states that did not pass security freeze legislation, consumers will be able to place a security freeze. A security freeze lets you stop the disclosure of your credit report by a credit bureau. A security freeze can be especially helpful to individuals who are having persistent problems with identity theft. For more information:
Security freeze | identity theft | financial privacy -- A credit freeze (sometimes called a security freeze) lets you stop the disclosure of your credit report by a credit bureau. A credit freeze can be especially helpful to individuals who are having persistent problems with identity theft. If you live in a state with a security freeze law, then you may be able to place a security freeze on your files. This World Privacy Forum resource gives general background on security freezes, lists the states with security freeze laws, and links to more information for each state.
Identity Theft -- The World Privacy Forum filed comments and recommendations with the President's Identity Theft Task Force. The task force's draft report and recommendations did not include or contemplate medical identity theft solutions for victims; the WPF has requested and recommended that this be corrected. Medical identity theft victims need more help, more recourse, and agency attention.
Financial privacy -- Joint comments filed by EPIC, Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, and World Privacy Forum.
Financial and Internet privacy -- Before you call, click, or mail away for your federally mandated free credit report, read these tips to help you avoid potential problems. This consumer tip sheet includes graphics to show you what problematic "fake" free credit sites look like, and includes consumer-tested tips for safely receiving your free reports. The tip sheet also includes resources with information, phone numbers, and addresses for ordering your report.
A new report issued today by the World Privacy Forum in advance of the March 1 rollout of free credit reports to Midwestern U.S. residents shows that consumers may be better off calling or mailing for their federally mandated free credit report instead of going online for it.