Opting Out Posted by Michelle at 08/08/07 04:21 PM

We've heard from a number of consumers about how they had placed their names on the Do Not Call, or other opt-out lists, and yet still obtain solicitations they do not want. Why is this? Because there are more places than one where you'll need to opt-out. Luckily, the World Privacy Forum has identified a Top Ten list of Opt-Outs which also can help explain just why you may be still obtaining a preapproved offer from your bank.

Here's the World Privacy Forum's Top Ten Opt Out list:

1. National Do Not Call Registry
2. Prescreened offers of credit and insurance
3. DMA opt outs
4. Financial institution opt outs
5. CAN SPAM
6. Credit freeze
7. FERPA
8. Data broker opt outs
9. Internet portal opt outs
10. NAI opt out

One of the more confusing opt-outs may be the financial institution opt-out. A little more on that: financial institutions are permitted to share information for marketing purposes with non-affiliates. For instance, your bank might have an agreement with an investment company who wants to market to you. If you don't opt out, they have the option of sharing your information even though the investment company is not a bank affiliate. So don't just throw away those slips of paper with the tiny print sent to you with your bank statement, credit card bill, etc! They explain how you can opt out of this type of information sharing. But if you have, the World Privacy Forum does a great job of helping you get off these lists.

comments (3)

1 Posted by Enrique at 08/11/07 12:59 AM

I don't get it, this should be laid out more clearly for people to understand.

2 Posted by scott cady at 09/02/07 12:15 PM

The default for everything should be opt out, and then call to opt in! I bet they would make it easyer then.

3 Posted by Karen Dean at 09/27/07 09:58 PM

I totally agree with Scott Cady's post - default should be opt out!
Also, thanks to Michelle for these very informative articles.