"The best advice I can give anybody is to fast forward their own lives to when they are 70 or 80. And help an elderly loved one now just the same way we would want somebody to help us in a similar situation."
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Chayo Reyes, National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
10 Tips to Avoid Marketing Lists
The National Consumers League offers 10 tips to consumers to help them avoid or remove their name from marketing lists.
Don't provide information that isn't necessary for the transaction. Don't just fill in the blanks without thinking - limit the information you supply.
Be anonymous Consider using online tools and fictitious names in situations where your real identity isn't needed and there is no other option to avoid getting on marketing lists.
Think twice before entering contents. Entry forms are often used to build marketing lists.
Know the privacy policy and your choices. If you don't see anything about what personal information companies collect and how they use it, ask. And if there is no privacy policy or it doesn't allow you to avoid unwanted marketing, take your business elsewhere.
Know when your personal information is being collected. Be aware of Automatic Number Identification and other ways that your information may be collected and tell the company if you don't want to be put on a marketing list.
Understand that unlistedand unpublished phone numbers don't guarantee privacy. Marketers may get your number if you've given it to others or they may simply dial you randomly.
Know your telemarketing rights. Federal law allows you to tell marketers not to call you again. Check with your state attorney general's office to find out if you also have "Do Not Call" rights under state law.
Know your financial privacy rights. Federal law requires financial institutions to tell you what information they collect and how they use it, and allows you to request that your personal information not be shared with unrelated companies. Check with your state attorney general's office to find out if you also have financial privacy rights under state law.
Know your medical privacy rights. Federal regulations limit how your health information can be used and shared with others for marketing purposes. Check with your state attorney general's office to find out if you also have medical privacy rights under state law.
Your state may protect you against "spam." Some states have enacted laws about unsolicited emails. Check with your state attorney general's office.
"The best advice I can give anybody is to fast forward their own lives to when they are 70 or 80. And help an elderly loved one now just the same way we would want somebody to help us in a similar situation."