Privacy Resources for Albert Lea, MN

Privacy Resources...

• Stop those annoying telemarketer calls. Simply register with this database to get taken off the lists. Note: it may take a little while for your info to work its way through the system, but the calls will slow down soon!
• You have a right to a free credit report once a year, which you can get from each major company at:
  • www.annualcreditreport.com
  • or call 1-877-322-8228,
  • or write: Annual Credit Report Credit Service, P.O.Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
• If you suspect identity theft, place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports by calling any one of the three nationwide credit report companies:
  • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
  • Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (1-888-397-3742)
  • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
  The Fraud Alert tells creditors to follow special procedures before opening new accounts. It also entitles you to free copies of your credit reports, where you can check for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you did not open, and debts that you did not incur.
• If any accounts have been tampered with or established fraudulently:
  • Call the fraud departments of the credit reporting companies, and follow up in writing with copies of supporting documents.
  • Support your written statement by using the ID Theft Affidavit at www.ftc.gov/idtheft
• Privacy issues work both ways. So what’s out there on the web about you – or someone in your family? Use these sites to find out and take control of what the world knows about you.
  • Go beyond Google and let this search engine scan “deeper” databases; they’ll direct you to a person’s MySpace page and more. www.pipl.com
  • This site seeks out every web mention of the name you type in—within blogs, videos, photos and more. www.Spock.com

  NOTE: Both Pipl and Spock sites don’t reveal anything new – they let you see what others can see about you and your family online. Once you know, talk with your kids about what’s out there. Or take steps to “de-publicize” certain pieces of information.

  • Type in a name for addresses and phone numbers, both listed and unlisted. You can also find out when someone is searching for you. www.ZabaSearch.com
  • Campaign Contributions - Why are you suddenly getting calls from a candidate, asking for money? Check out what the FEC has published on you.