Credit reporting and opting out e-mail

Factual Questions
1

I received an e-mail from a coworker that said the following:

<B>Your Credit: Personal Information goes public.

Starting July 1st, 2003, the four major credit bureaus in the US (Equifax, etc.) will be allowed to release credit info, mailing addresses, phone numbers, etc., to ANYONE who requests it.

If you do not want to be included in this release of your personal information, you can call 1-888-567-8688.

Once the message starts, you will want option #2 (even though option #1 refers to this email, push #2) and then option #2.

Be sure to listen closely, the first option is only for a two-year period.
Make sure you wait until they prompt for the second option, which opts you out FOREVER.

You should receive their paperwork in the mail confirming the “opting out” in less than one week after making the call.</B>

Co-worker said he called the number a few months ago and got a form sent in the mail to send back.

Has anyone looked into this? I called the number and started to give my name but they asked for my zip code and I got paranoid and hung up.

What’s the dope with this e-mail? Is it a new way to steal personal info or is it for real?

2

Take a look at this Snopes article.

The number itself is legitimate, but has very little to do with the ghastly scenario spun by the email.

3

Snopes is your friend.

4

As others have pointed out, the email doesn’t tell you the whole story. To save yourself from a lot of unsolicited credit card approvals and junk mail, however, opt-out.

5

Damn…Snopes…I knew better than to skip that step but you guys make it so convenient. This way, I have a lower chance of getting caught surfing at work.

Thanks for the leg work.