Every day most of us give away information about ourselves -- sometimes knowingly and other times when we do not even realize it. You are your best privacy protector. This guide will teach you how to be aware, be assertive and be an advocate in protecting your personal information.  Learn to request your consumer reports, protect your financial privacy, safeguard your Social Security number, limit telemarketing calls and opt-out of unsolicited pre-approved credit card offers. 

These days you realize that it is no coincidence that junk mail and solicitations come tailored to your individual interests. What you may be in the dark about is whether it is your magazine subscription, gym, or bank that is responsible for sharing your information with other companies.

If you are a California resident, the "Shine the Light" law, implemented January 1, 2005, requires businesses to tell you with whom they have shared your information. (CA Civil Code 1798.83)  Read our guide to find how who has accessed your personal information and how to opt-out of of future sharing.  You can also learn what rights you have if a business refuses to disclose the source of the information they have on you.