Fact Sheet 1a:
Privacy Basics and Opt-Out Strategies

Reduce Unwanted Telemarketing Phone Calls

• Register with National Do Not Call Registry: (888) 382-1222 or www.donotcall.gov
• If called by a company that you do business with, ask to be placed on its internal 'Do Not Call List.'

Opt Out of Pre-approved Unsolicited Credit Card Offers

• Call (888) 5-OPT-OUT / (888) 567-8688 or opt out online at www.optoutprescreen.com.
• You can choose to opt out of credit offers for 5 years, through the web site. Or you can opt out permanently by mailing the Permanent Opt-Out form, available on the web site.

Receive Your Three Credit Reports Free Once a Year         

• There are 3 credit bureaus ñ Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Under federal law you can obtain a free credit report from each one annually. To order your free reports, go to www.annualcreditreport.com where you can order your reports directly or download the Annual Credit Report Request form to mail in your request. You can also call (877 ) 322-8228. For more information, see the Federal Trade Commission's Facts for Consumers at www.ftc.gov/freereports .
• Tip: To monitor your credit reports year round, get one report every four months.

Restrict Access to Your Credit Report         

• You have the right to freeze access to your credit reports in all 50 states. This is an effective way to reduce your risk of identity theft. To learn more, visit www.consumersunion.org/campaigns//learn_more/003484indiv.html.

Don't Carry a Debit or Check Card

• Pay with credit cards instead of debit or check cards for greater consumer protections, and to better protect your bank account from fraudulent activity.
  Ask your bank to replace your debit card with an ATM card.

Monitor Your Bank Account History

• If a bank or credit union closes your checking account for insufficient funds, it will make a report to ChexSystems that other banks will check when you apply for new accounts.
• You have a right to one free ChexSystems report each year.
• Toll-free number: (800) 428-9623.
• Web: https://www.consumerdebit.com/consumerinfo/us/en/index.htm

Reduce Your Junk Mail

• Write to the Mail Preference Service. Include the name(s) and address of household members who do not want to receive junk mail. Tell them to put you on the opt-out list. You must renew your registration after 3 years.
  
  Direct Marketing Association
  Mail Preference Service
  P.O. Box 643
  Carmel NY 10512
  
  Or opt-out online: https://www.dmachoice.org/dma/member/regist.action
  A credit card is required for verification only. There is no fee for opting out online..
  
  
• Abacus compiles a cooperative data base of catalog and publishing companies' customers. When you order products from one catalog, that company is likely to sell your contact information to other catalog companies. To opt-out of the Abacus database, write to:
  

  Abacus
  P.O. Box 1478
  Broomfield, CO 80038
  
  Or email abacusoptout@epsilon.com  
  Include full name (including middle initial) and current address (and previous address if you have moved within the last 6 months).
  For more information, visit www.abacusoptout.com

Safeguard Your Social Security Number (SSN)

• Remove your SSN card and other documents containing the SSN from your wallet.  Securing your SSN is a key step in avoiding identity theft.  Carry your Medicare card only when you are planning a medical visit.
• When someone asks for your SSN, ask why they need it.  Ask them to explain their authority for requiring it, and what the consequences are for not providing it.  Request a copy of their SSN policy. Ask if you can give another identifier instead, such as your driver's license number.
• If you live in one of the states that has used the SSN for the driver’s license number, contact your state motor vehicles department and request a different number. Federal law now prohibits the use of the SSN as the driver’s license number. But if you have not renewed your driver’s license recently, you may still be carrying a license with the SSN printed on it. You have a right to ask for a new number.

Protect Your Financial Privacy

• Read privacy notices of your bank, credit card, insurance, and investment companies. Financial companies are required by law to mail the privacy notice to you once a year.
• Take advantage of any opt-out opportunities regarding the sharing of customer data.

Be Aware of Your Rights Regarding Medical Records

• The federal law HIPAA gives you the right to access your medical records. Health care providers must give you a copy of their privacy notice. This includes doctors, pharmacies, dentists, and other healthcare professionals.
• You can get a free copy of your Medical Information Bureau report once a year. MIB will only have a record on you if you have applied for individually (not group) underwritten life, health, or disability insurance in the past 7 years.
  • Phone: (866) 692-6901 (TTY: (866) 346-3642 for hearing impaired)
  • Web: www.mib.com/html/request_your_record.html

Be Aware of CLUE, the Insurance Industry Database of Property Loss Claims

• You can get a copy of your CLUE Report once a year containing your homeowner's or automobile insurance claims history. Get a free copy from ChoicePoint:
  • Phone: (866) 312-8076
  • Web: www.choicetrust.com (click on "CLUE Reports")

Opt Out of Acxiom’s Marketing and Directory Lists

• Opt-Out Hotline (877) 774-2094, or e-mail optoutUS@acxiom.com.

Block your Phone Number from Showing on Caller ID

• Complete call blocking (or 'per line' blocking): Your number will not show on Caller ID if you have indicated this option with your local phone carrier. Dial *82 (1182 from a rotary phone) to unblock your number to place a call to numbers that do not accept blocked calls or to disclose your phone number.
• Selective call blocking (or 'per call' blocking): Dial *67 (or 1167) for a rotary phone before each call.
• You cannot block calls to toll-free numbers or 911 emergency services.

Opt Out of the Sharing of Online Cookie Data with Advertisers

• Network Advertising Initiative:  www.networkadvertising.org

For Search Privacy, Take Advantage of Privacy-Friendly Search Engines

• The Netherlands-based search engine Ixquick deletes search queries after just 48 hours. In contrast, the major search engine Google retains search queries for 18 months. Yahoo keeps them for 13 months. Web: www.ixquick.com.
• The search engine Ask.com also offers a privacy feature. Go to www.ask.com and click on AskEraser. Your search activity will be deleted from Ask.com servers.

Handle Your Personal Information Responsibly to Avoid Identity Theft

• Shred any documents containing your Social Security number, bank or credit card information, or other personal, identifying, or financial information.  Use a cross-cut or confetti shredder.
• Scrub or destroy your computer’s hard drive when you donate, sell or trash the computer. Before the computer leaves your hands, verify that no trace of your personal data remains. Utilities programs are available for purchase or can be downloaded for free. Professional destruction companies may also be used.
• Be careful with your mail.  Mail theft can result in identity theft. Use a locked mailbox or try to pick up your mail right after it is delivered.  Try to mail letters containing personal information from the Post Office or before the last collection time at a Postal Service blue box.

File Your Complaints about Consumer Privacy Violations with the FTC

• Federal Trade Commission Hotline: (877) FTC-HELP. Web: www.ftc.gov
• FTC Identity Theft Clearinghouse: (877) IDTHEFT. Web: www.ftc.gov/idtheft

For more detailed information about these and other tips, see our Fact Sheet 1: Privacy Survival Guide at www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs1-surv.htm