Is this BS or what?

**Bruce** · 06-05-2003, 08:35 AM

Anybody else get this email message? It certainly must be BS, but what is the scam? And is it driven by a virus?
Bruce
------------
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 #2. Be sure to listen closely, the
first option is only for a two-year period. Make sure you wait until they
prompt for the second 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.
PASS THIS MESSAGE ON TO ALL IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK, FRIENDS AND FAMILY

**Enticing** · 06-05-2003, 08:41 AM

Just a plain old hoax, urban legend... if you call the number you opt out of receiving pre-approved credit offers, nothing else.

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=7939460&BRD=2554&PAG=461&a mp;dept_id=507134&rfi=6

I prefer the snopes version:

http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/pending/credit.htm

**Bruce** · 06-05-2003, 09:31 AM

Enticing,
Thanks. That worked out really well. I called them up and opted out of all their junk mail and phone calls. I never knew you could do that.
B

**belgareth** · 06-05-2003, 10:15 AM

Sounds like a variation on the e-mails supposedly sent by Microsoft about a new virus that nodoby has ever heard of. They urge you to forward to all your friends. the object is to jam the e-mail servers with an overlaod.

It could be that or it could be some new scam to get into your pocket. Either way, I\'ll bet it\'s BS.

**BassMan** · 06-05-2003, 10:50 AM

<blockquote>Quote:<hr />
Enticing,
Thanks. That worked out really well. I called them up and opted out of all their junk mail and phone calls. I never knew you could do that.
B

<hr /></blockquote>

Here in Florida, the Department of Agriculture has an opt-out called the no-solicitation-sales-calls list. For a measly $5 / year (additional $5 surcharge the first year, paperwork, I suppose), you can opt out of _all_ telemarketer sales calls. There are huge fines for them calling, even by mistake, so not only does it stop most calls, it provides loads of entertainment for the ones that do get through - \"I\'m on the no-solicitation list - you are breaking the law. Exactly who are you with again?\" <click>

You (and I mean y\'all here) should check to see if there is something similar in your state. In all seriousness, I get maybe 5 calls a year now. Charities, non-profits, people you are doing business with are all exempt.

**Mtnjim** · 06-05-2003, 02:26 PM

Department of AGRICULTURE?
How did they get to do this?
(you would dept of trade or communications would get it)

**BassMan** · 06-07-2003, 08:35 AM

<blockquote>Quote:<hr />
Department of AGRICULTURE?
How did they get to do this?
(you would dept of trade or communications would get it)

<hr /></blockquote>
Yeah, you would. Surprised me, too. I dunno why they got it, but I\'ve been on the list for more than a decade now. It _really_ works. No more idiots calling at 6pm.