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Corman Says Opt-Out Site Has Been Established to Cut Down
on Credit Card
Solicitations and Reduce Identity Theft
HARRISBURG -- In
an effort to reduce identity theft and unwanted credit card solicitations, a
national opt-out program has been set up for consumers under the Fair Credit
Reporting Act, according to state Sen. Jake Corman (R-34).
Corman said consumers can now
reduce the amount of unwanted credit applications by visiting
www.optoutprescreen.com or by calling 1-888-567-8688. Within several months
of opting out, consumers will see a reduced amount of unwanted credit card
solicitations.
Currently, credit card
companies can call one of the consumer credit reporting agencies to check on a
consumer's credit rating and obtain consumer information that can be used to
solicit applications for new credit cards.
“Anyone who receives unwanted
credit card solicitations in the mail or via the telephone can reduce or
eliminate these by opting out,” said Corman. “Be sure to enter the information
carefully as identity thieves have been known to set up phony Web addresses and
toll-free numbers similar to legitimate ones.”
Corman said this
do-not-solicit list is similar to the national and state do-not-call lists that
consumers can use to reduce unwanted solicitations from companies with which
they do not already have a business relationship.
“Consumers can also call
their credit card company if they no longer wish to receive so-called
convenience checks, which can be used as checks or to consolidate credit card
debt,” said Corman. “Please be aware that the interest rate on convenience
checks is often much higher interest rate on the card itself.”
Corman said that convenience
checks and credit card applications sent via mail can be stolen by identity
thieves from mailboxes or the garbage and used to run up bills and ruin a
consumer's credit rating. “If you receive convenience checks or credit card
applications you do not plan to use, be sure to shred them before placing them
in the trash,” Corman said.
By eliminating unwanted credit card
solicitations and no longer receiving convenience checks, Corman said consumers
can take the necessary steps to protect themselves from the temptation to incur
more credit card debt and to protect themselves against identity theft.
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