YOU’RE IN THE BULLS EYE WHEN JUNK MAILERS TARGET YOU WITH YOUR OWN PERSONAL DATA

From time to time I cover junk mail mailing lists that deserve attention based on their ability to pry into your private life. From my background as a former data broker, I know just how intrusive these lists can be and their potential danger to your identity. The latest is one called “Net Blue,” a compilation of almost 24 million names, with 75,000 new names added daily. (Click here for more info) The names are collected from over fifty Web sites that Net Blue either controls or has an arrangement with. Here’s what they know about you. Of course your name and address, but also e-mail address, birth date, gender and your telephone and cell phone numbers. They also know your lifestyles, and surfing habits. This personal data comes from over 2 million surveys consumers complete each month, giving it up private information as readily as if you were passing out cigars for a new baby. If you are one of those that does this regularly, or even infrequently, take into consideration that all the ID thieves need to get started is your name, address, and date of birth. Bingo. It’s relatively easy to get the rest of your life history. I tried contacting Net Blue headquarters asking about their collection of this sensitive data, but after a month, no reply. If you have filled out one of these surveys and have experienced problems, please let me know about it at: jack.dundiv@cox.net.