Just got the following in my e-mail and I figured I'd get some answeres here regarding the validity of it...Of course it IS an e-mail forward so ;P ~~~ I personally contacted Equifax today to establish the validity of this message and they confirmed that it is true. You should consider taking appropriate steps to "opt-out" as instructed below. PLEASE READ THE E-MAIL BELOW---- 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 #3. Be sure to listen closely, the first option is only for a two-year period. Make sure you wait until they prompt for the third 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.
Urban Legend. Go to http://www.snopes.com and do a search on "Credit Reports". You'll find the answer in the "Inboxer Rebellion" section.
It's urban legend, per snopes.com. The report is FALSE: http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/pending/credit.htm
From the Consumer Alerts section of Experian.com -- "You may have received a widely circulated e-mail that claims that as of July 1 credit reporting agencies can share your credit history with anyone, at any time for any reason. The e-mail is completely false. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act specifies who can obtain a copy of your credit report and under what circumstances. That hasnâ??t changed. You can learn more about the FCRA and your rights in All About Credit. The e-mail also suggests you can opt out of the credit reporting process by calling a telephone number it lists. While you can opt out of pre-approved credit offers as well as marketing lists, you cannot opt out of the credit reporting system. For more information on opting out of specific types of targeted advertising, please visit the Opt Out section for specific instructions on how to remove your name from direct mail, telemarketing, e-mail and preapproved offers. If you are concerned about your credit history, have never seen it or havenâ??t reviewed it in a while, you can get a copy of your credit report instantly online at our Personal Services. You can also sign up for Credit Manager our subscription service that provides unlimited access to your credit information as well automatic notification of adverse credit changes to your report. " peace, delilah