Beware of email scams. According to the FTC, there is an email scam, where consumers receive an anonymous email indicating that their personal credit information will be distributed to anyone, who requests it. The email looks like this: "Just wanted to let everyone know who hasn't already heard, the four major credit bureaus in the
U.S. will be allowed, starting July 1, to release your credit info, mailing addresses, phone
numbers... to anyone who requests it. If you would like to "opt out" of this release of info., you
can call 1-888-567-8688. It only takes a couple of minutes to do." When you get this email, ignore it. The FTC, confirms that according to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the July 1 date was the deadline for financial institutions to let you know, what their information-sharing practices were – including details about how consumers can opt out of information sharing practices. Consumers may continue to contact their financial institutions to opt out of information sharing practices anytime they deem appropriate. Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, the three National Credit Reporting bureaus can only give your personal information to specific organizations, as recognized by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
You can get a copy of your free credit report to see, who has made inquiries against your credit history file.
To opt out of receiving unsolicited credit card or loan applications, call the toll free number: 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) or go online at: www.optoutprescreen.com. Note that the phone number offered here is the same phone number in the email – nonetheless, the email is a scam.The author is the owner of the information-rich website http://www.poorcreditgenie.com. The website offers free advice on how to rebuild credit and manage debt. The site also features numerous articles and news stories on credit reports, credit cards and bankruptcy.
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