| Stopping credit bureau from sharing
your data |
| By Bankrate.com |
|
As a consumer, you have privacy
rights that specify what personal and financial information
may be collected, how it can be gathered and who gets access to
your data. These rules apply even credit bureaus.
The Fair
Credit Reporting Act was created more than 20 years ago to promote
accuracy of consumer information and the privacy of the personal
data collected by consumer reporting agencies, including credit
bureaus. To accomplish this goal, the FCRA has a framework of practices
related to personal information, including the accessibility of
the data, limits on its use and distribution, and requirements for
consent from the consumer regarding use of his or her collected
data.
So what exactly does that mean to you? Basically,
you need to take charge of your personal data and make sure that
it's used -- or not used -- as you deem appropriate. One way is
to demand that credit bureaus not place your personal information
on a marketing list.
This form letter is a handy and easy way to let three
credit reporting agencies -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion --
know that you object to your personal information being disclosed
to marketers.
Send a separate copy to each of the credit bureaus.
Personalize it by entering your specifics in the areas
in red. You can print out this Web page and make your changes
by hand or copy the body of the letter and paste it into a document
where you can make your changes on your PC.
If you prefer to see a .pdf version of the letter,
click
here.
Date
Equifax Credit Information Services Inc.
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374
TransUnion LLC
Consumer Disclosure Center
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
Experian
475 Anton Boulevard
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Dear Sir or Madam:
In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act,
this letter is my formal request that credit
bureau name remove my name from its marketing lists. I have
listed below all the appropriate information to help you expedite
this removal.
In this paragraph, list your
full name: first, middle and last. Along with your current mailing
address also provide previous mailing addresses you've had in the
last six months. Don't forget to include your date of birth and
Social Security number.
If you wish to explain why
you want your name to be removed from the bureau's marketing list,
do so here.
Thank you for your prompt attention to my request
to be removed from your marketing list. Please send me written confirmation
when you comply with this request.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your printed name
Your mailing address
City, State and ZIP Code
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