Protect Your Privacy, Stop Credit Card Offers

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By By Herb Weisbaum

Summary

All those junk mail offers are attractive to ID thieves.

Story Published: Aug 5, 2003 at 3:40 AM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 1:08 AM PDT

Protect Your Privacy, Stop Credit Card Offers
SEATTLE - "Congratulations, you've been pre-approved for the Titanium Big Bucks Credit Card!"

My mailbox used to be filled with these offers, but not anymore. That's because about a year ago, I made one phone call and told the big credit bureaus that I didn't want these pre-approved credit card offers anymore. I already have all the plastic I need, but more importantly, these mailings are a prime target for identity thieves. If they can snag these applications, they can fill them out, pretend to be you and get a credit card in your name.

Here's that phone number. Just call 1-888-567-8688. This toll-free line was set up by the credit bureaus. When you call, you'll be asked for some personal information, such as your name, home phone number and Social Security number. This information is kept confidential and will only be used to get you of these pre-screened credit offers.

Yes, it's OK to give them your Social Security number -- you made the call and that's the way the credit bureaus identify you.

For More Information:

Protect Your Privacy - ftc.gov
Protect Your Personal Info - ftc.gov
More Privacy Info - ftc.gov