Video: Opt Out to Protect Yourself

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Summary: One way to reduce your risk of identity theft is to pay close attention to privacy policies. Some "opt out" policies offer consumers ways to remove or withhold personal information from databases. Opting out improves the chances that your identity will not be stolen.

Video Transcript: Video# 00013

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I'm Ilyce Glink with Expert Real Estate Tips dot net.

Last year more than 10 million Americans had their identity stolen.

If you want to avoid being one of those numbers and you want to cut down on the credit card offers that come in the mail, you might want to opt out.

Opting out removes your name and contact information from direct marketers' databases so they don't send you as much junk mail and they don't call at the dinner hour.

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One of the best ways to cut your risk is to prevent companies from sharing your personal information. The only way to do that is to opt out of as many databases as possible.

You can do this by sending letters, filling out opt out forms online, sending emails or calling opt out hotlines. Check out your financial institution's privacy policies for details on how to opt out of their third party marketing programs.

To decrease the amount of junk mail you receive visit the direct marketing association's Web site. They'll give you a choice of whether to fill out an online request or print one out to mail in.

You can also cut down on the credit card offers you receive in the mail by calling 888-5-OPT OUT.

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It's up to you to protect your identity; nobody else is going to help you do it.

So be thoughtful about who you share your information with and where your information is going. Then, opt out.

For more personal finance and real estate information, visit my Web site, Expert Real Estate Tips dot net.

See more articles on this topic by clicking on the "RELATED ARTICLES" above and to the right.

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Related Topics

• consumer advice, 
• identity theft

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