🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <UB4ClKXG89DS068yn@cpcug.org>, <resch@cpcug.org> writes:

> > privacy@interramp.com wrote:
> > : ...While returning a product purchased by credit card but without 
> > : providing my address, I was told that I could not receive credit unless I 
> > : provided my name, address, and phone... 
> 
> > ...I've never had this problem, but the solution is simple - make up the 
> > address and number. Personally, I think that's a better solution anyways. 
> > You avoid the attitude, and you accomplish something more worthwhile - 
> > they take this info because they can use it for direct marketing or to 
> > sell. If their list is crap, they waste money or others won't pay for it. 
> > Disinformation. Great stuff.
> 
> Bad idea.  For one thing: 
> 
> In article <3e3sk7$2or@newsbf02.news.aol.com>, whmurray@aol.com (WHMurray) 
> wrote in December, 1994 [quoting my excerpt from a newspaper article  - 
G.R.]: 
> 
> > >  It is illegal in Georgia to give a false name or address 
> > >  when seeking a refund. 
> > 
> > Even in the absence of such a specific provision, it is illegal in all 
> > states to give false information in an attempt to get money.  It is 
> > called "fraud."  One need not seek the money or not provide any 
> > information at all.  However, if one elects to do both, the information 
> > must be correct to the best of one's knowledge. 
> 


Not only is providing false information a "bad idea," since it is illegal, as 
Mr. Resch writes. It is also a last ditch resort that consumers should not have 
to face.

It's easy to lie and give out fake names, addresses, telephone numbers, etc. 
But this is not the "way it should be." Sure, in my newsletter, I encourage 
readers to use pseudonyms in certain situations. But in none of these 
situations are people breaking the law or hurting others. 

Instead, the best solution (as far as I am concerned) is to create laws and 
grassroot efforts to stop such requests for personal information as a condition 
of sale. Let's empower the consumers so that they don't have to be placed in 
the unenviable position of having to lie in order to protect their privacy.

Until we have such laws or widespread support, we should educate consumers on 
how to deal with situations where personal information is requested. The more 
educated and the street smart consumers are not the ones we need to worry 
about. Often, they will read the "Riot Act" or find some way of preserving 
their privacy. It is the shy, naive, or less educated that we need to empower 
by making them aware of their "Privacy Bill of Rights."

Do you have suggestions for a "Privacy Bill of Rights?" If forward them to me, 
as I am compiling one for future applications.



John Featherman
Editor
Privacy Newsletter
PO Box 8206
Philadelphia PA 19101-8206
Phone: 215-533-7373
E-mail: privacy@interramp.com