FACTA Law Takes Effect Today To Protect Consumers From Identity Theft
As of midnight tonight, most businesses will have to shred, burn, pulverize, or otherwise properly dispose of any documents containing consumer credit information before those documents can be thrown away.
The requirement stems from a provision in the federal Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act), which is intended to combat consumer fraud and identity theft.
The so-called FACT Act disposal rule broadly covers "any record about an individual, whether in paper, electronic, or other form that is a consumer report (also known as a credit report) or is derived from a consumer report." It requires any person or company that possesses or maintains such information to "tak(e) reasonable measures to protect against unauthorized access to or use of the information in connection with its disposal."
"This law is an important step forward in the fight against consumer fraud and identity theft. We'd rather see someone's document shredded, than their identity," said Robert Johnson, executive director of the National Association for Information Destruction (NAID). "It's important for the business community to understand that this law applies to nearly every business and private employer in the U.S."
According to a study released by the FTC in September 2003, nearly 10 million Americans were the victims of identity theft in the previous year alone. The study also found that U.S. businesses lost $47 billion and consumers lost approximately $5 billion as a result of identity theft during the same period.
"There is no reason that a stack of customer files containing credit reports should be sitting in a dumpster, easily accessible to just about anyone," added Johnson.
Under the new law, businesses must come into compliance by June 1, 2005 by both adopting and implementing their own document destruction policies or by contracting with a document shredding company or other data destruction company to do so. Penalties for violating the rule include actual damages, statutory damages up to $1,000, punitive damages per violation (with no cap on class action damages), attorneys' fees, and civil penalties up to $2,500.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Friday, May 27, 2005
Texas CPAs Dispel Money Myths
As scores of Texas high school seniors graduate this month, they'll likely head off to college or the workforce. Texas CPAs have some real-world financial myth busters and an online quiz at http://www.ValueYourMoney.org for newly-minted high school graduates looking to start a life on their own.
Myth 1: Developing a spending plan means an all-Ramen noodle diet.
Outlining a spending plan doesn't have to be a chore. It's about choices. If you must fill up the gas tank for a trip home for dad's lasagna, mom's laundry service and a night in your old bedroom, you might not be able to spring for three-meat thick- crust pizzas, no anchovies, during a late-night dorm floor fest. The trick is to know how much money you have, what you need to buy and when you need to buy it. As you're budgeting, remember to include ATM fees, parking meter money, vending machine change, and other miscellaneous expenses. Little items can add up.
Myth 2: Identity theft won't happen on campus.
College living can often involve close quarters, whether it be a residence hall, fraternity house or apartment roommates. With this proximity and accessibility in mind, keep your personal financial information out of potentially unscrupulous hands. That means keeping track of credit card receipts and statements, as well as checkbooks, personal identification numbers (PINs) and other banking information. To prevent against identity theft, Texas CPAs recommend purchasing a cross-cut shredder to destroy all credit card applications received in the mail or on campus, reconciling checking accounts and reviewing credit card statements at least once a month. Also, safeguard your Social Security number. Choose alternate numbers for campus identification and grade posting.
Myth 3: Credit scores won't affect me until I'm much older.
While it's true you might not purchase a home until you're older, credit scores come into play for apartment rentals, loan interest rates and even on job searches. These days, many employers check credit scores of potential new employees during the hiring process. And you can't cram for a good credit score. Texas CPAs say in order to maintain a good credit rating, pay your bills on time and don't overextend yourself credit-wise.
Myth 4: I'll only use my credit cards for emergencies.
Do you consider a 2 a.m. study break bean burrito craving an emergency? Different people define emergencies differently. For some, it's a new tire to replace a blown-out one. For others, it's a new outfit to wear on an important occasion. If you have easy access to credit, you may be tempted to spend more than you can pay off each month. While credit cards can be helpful in true emergency situations and allow you to begin establishing a credit history, Texas CPAs caution new high school graduates to tread carefully when using credit. You don't want that burrito to cost as much as a steak after months and months of finance charges come into play.
Myth 5: I'm not majoring in business, so I don't need to learn about finances.
Even underwater basket weavers need to learn to manage their personal finances. Just because your field of study might not involve theories surrounding microeconomics, you should be well- versed on practical saving and investing principles for your personal use. After all, why study and work hard to make bigger bucks if you can't manage those bucks to make more bucks? With its statewide financial literacy effort, Texas CPAs urge consumers of all ages to become proficient in personal finance matters. It might not be a formal college course, but by reading, attending community workshops and seeking professional advice, new high school graduates should access the information needed to make the most of their money.
Additional Resources
The online quiz for high school graduates and other money management tips are available on http://www.ValueYourMoney.org. The Web site features special sections for kids, youth, young adults, adults, and military personnel. Selected sections are available in Spanish. While online, consumers may register for a free monthly electronic newsletter with articles on saving for retirement, identity theft protection, budgeting, tax planning, and more.
As scores of Texas high school seniors graduate this month, they'll likely head off to college or the workforce. Texas CPAs have some real-world financial myth busters and an online quiz at http://www.ValueYourMoney.org for newly-minted high school graduates looking to start a life on their own.
Myth 1: Developing a spending plan means an all-Ramen noodle diet.
Outlining a spending plan doesn't have to be a chore. It's about choices. If you must fill up the gas tank for a trip home for dad's lasagna, mom's laundry service and a night in your old bedroom, you might not be able to spring for three-meat thick- crust pizzas, no anchovies, during a late-night dorm floor fest. The trick is to know how much money you have, what you need to buy and when you need to buy it. As you're budgeting, remember to include ATM fees, parking meter money, vending machine change, and other miscellaneous expenses. Little items can add up.
Myth 2: Identity theft won't happen on campus.
College living can often involve close quarters, whether it be a residence hall, fraternity house or apartment roommates. With this proximity and accessibility in mind, keep your personal financial information out of potentially unscrupulous hands. That means keeping track of credit card receipts and statements, as well as checkbooks, personal identification numbers (PINs) and other banking information. To prevent against identity theft, Texas CPAs recommend purchasing a cross-cut shredder to destroy all credit card applications received in the mail or on campus, reconciling checking accounts and reviewing credit card statements at least once a month. Also, safeguard your Social Security number. Choose alternate numbers for campus identification and grade posting.
Myth 3: Credit scores won't affect me until I'm much older.
While it's true you might not purchase a home until you're older, credit scores come into play for apartment rentals, loan interest rates and even on job searches. These days, many employers check credit scores of potential new employees during the hiring process. And you can't cram for a good credit score. Texas CPAs say in order to maintain a good credit rating, pay your bills on time and don't overextend yourself credit-wise.
Myth 4: I'll only use my credit cards for emergencies.
Do you consider a 2 a.m. study break bean burrito craving an emergency? Different people define emergencies differently. For some, it's a new tire to replace a blown-out one. For others, it's a new outfit to wear on an important occasion. If you have easy access to credit, you may be tempted to spend more than you can pay off each month. While credit cards can be helpful in true emergency situations and allow you to begin establishing a credit history, Texas CPAs caution new high school graduates to tread carefully when using credit. You don't want that burrito to cost as much as a steak after months and months of finance charges come into play.
Myth 5: I'm not majoring in business, so I don't need to learn about finances.
Even underwater basket weavers need to learn to manage their personal finances. Just because your field of study might not involve theories surrounding microeconomics, you should be well- versed on practical saving and investing principles for your personal use. After all, why study and work hard to make bigger bucks if you can't manage those bucks to make more bucks? With its statewide financial literacy effort, Texas CPAs urge consumers of all ages to become proficient in personal finance matters. It might not be a formal college course, but by reading, attending community workshops and seeking professional advice, new high school graduates should access the information needed to make the most of their money.
Additional Resources
The online quiz for high school graduates and other money management tips are available on http://www.ValueYourMoney.org. The Web site features special sections for kids, youth, young adults, adults, and military personnel. Selected sections are available in Spanish. While online, consumers may register for a free monthly electronic newsletter with articles on saving for retirement, identity theft protection, budgeting, tax planning, and more.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
FCC Commissioner Endorses Commercial Alert’s Call to Enforce Prohibitions Against “Undisclosed Promotions” on TV
In a speech today, Federal Communications Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein called for greater enforcement of federal prohibitions against “undisclosed promotions” on television.
Adelstein said “In fall 2003, a group called Commercial Alert asked us to take a number of different actions regarding product placement, and its filing, and the recent press reports I mentioned, clearly indicate that the time has come for us to step up our enforcement in this area.”
“We are greatly encouraged by Commissioner Adelstein’s defense of viewers right to know by whom they are being persuaded,” said Gary Ruskin, executive director of Commercial Alert.
Commissioner Adelstein’s speech is at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-258962A1.pdf
Commercial Alert’s petition for rule-making to establish adequate disclosure of product placement on television is at: http://www.commercialalert.org/fcc.pdf
In a speech today, Federal Communications Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein called for greater enforcement of federal prohibitions against “undisclosed promotions” on television.
Adelstein said “In fall 2003, a group called Commercial Alert asked us to take a number of different actions regarding product placement, and its filing, and the recent press reports I mentioned, clearly indicate that the time has come for us to step up our enforcement in this area.”
“We are greatly encouraged by Commissioner Adelstein’s defense of viewers right to know by whom they are being persuaded,” said Gary Ruskin, executive director of Commercial Alert.
Commissioner Adelstein’s speech is at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-258962A1.pdf
Commercial Alert’s petition for rule-making to establish adequate disclosure of product placement on television is at: http://www.commercialalert.org/fcc.pdf
Monday, May 09, 2005
Consumer Reports Rates Diets for Nutrition and Effectiveness; CR Helps Readers Choose a Weight-Loss Program that Makes Sense for Them
Consumer Reports (CR) has taken the wraps off nine popular diets to help people wade through the sea of promises made by many weight-loss programs. In the June issue, "Rating the Diets from Atkins to Dr. Sears Zone," CR calculated the diets' calorie counts and nutritional composition, checked whether they conformed to U.S. dietary guidelines, and evaluated their effectiveness with a comprehensive review of clinical research.
Experts say that the best diet is the one you can stay on. CR helps readers choose a weight-loss plan that makes sense for them. Among our findings:
-- Weight Watchers received the highest overall rating. A nutritionally balanced diet, plus weekly meetings and weigh-ins for behavioral support, give this large commercial weight loss program the highest long-term adherence rate of any diet studied. This plan doesn't exclude any food group and its point system encourages consumption of low-fat, high fiber meals.
-- Slim Fast, which received the second highest overall rating, is recommended for people who don't like to cook-branded bars and drinks replace part of breakfast and lunch-and dieters need to prepare only one full meal a day. People on the Slim Fast plan lost the most weight in six months using products like 180-calorie shakes.
-- The Zone is high in protein and includes copious amounts of high-fiber vegetables. Many companies offer home delivery of "Zone favorable meals." It is recommended for those who want a short-term high protein diet plan.
-- Ornish offers ultra low-fat, high-fiber vegetarian meals, which provide fairly large portions for the low calories.
-- Atkins Induction and Atkins Ongoing Weight Loss are appropriate for people who want a short-term high protein diet plan. The Atkins diet worked very well in the short term, with results at least as good as our other top-rated diets. But its nutritional deficiencies-too much fat, and too little fiber and too few fruits-depressed its overall Rating and may have a negative effect on some people's health.
In CR's Ratings, the overall score is based on adherence to nutritional guidelines and the results of clinical studies for each diet. Nutritional content was calculated by entering a week's worth of menus from each diet into a powerful nutritional analysis database. Analytical results include short- and long- term weight loss and dropout rates, and were derived from published clinical trials for each diet.
Several other popular weight-loss plans-eDiets, Jenny Craig, South Beach, and Volumetrics-are all low enough in calories to produce weight loss. But CR could not rate them for this report because these diets lacked data from large, long-term, published clinical trials.
CR suggests there are four ways to a winning diet: Eat high- bulk, low-calorie foods: This is a promising strategy for curbing hunger while keeping calories down. Such foods include fruits, veggies, and other water-filled foods such as soups. Control blood sugar: One way is to stay away from starchy, easy-to-digest carbohydrates, such as refined flour, white rice, and potatoes, and avoid added sugar. Eat plenty of high-fiber carbs, such as whole grains, fruits and veggies. Measure portions and seek encouragement.
CR's recommendations for choosing the best diet for you include:
-- Cut the easiest calories first. Eliminate the nonnutritive foods that are least important to you,
such as sugared soft drinks and juices and oversized baked goods.
-- Choose a safe dietary plan. If you have any medical condition check with your doctor before starting a weight-loss program. Don't strive for rapid weight loss. Increase fiber intake gradually and drink more water to avoid digestive upsets.
-- Consider personal preferences: People who like variety may tire of the limited menu of a meal-replacement diet.
-- Follow the rules: The more faithfully people adhere to a diet, the more successful they will be.
-- Be ready to switch: If, after three weeks, you find a diet is too difficult or unpleasant to follow, or you are not losing weight-try another.
Use their interactive "Calorie-needs Calculator" to determine your daily calorie needs-free from May 10 until July 6 at http://www.ConsumerReports.org. The June 2005 issue of Consumer Reports will be available May 10
Consumer Reports (CR) has taken the wraps off nine popular diets to help people wade through the sea of promises made by many weight-loss programs. In the June issue, "Rating the Diets from Atkins to Dr. Sears Zone," CR calculated the diets' calorie counts and nutritional composition, checked whether they conformed to U.S. dietary guidelines, and evaluated their effectiveness with a comprehensive review of clinical research.
Experts say that the best diet is the one you can stay on. CR helps readers choose a weight-loss plan that makes sense for them. Among our findings:
-- Weight Watchers received the highest overall rating. A nutritionally balanced diet, plus weekly meetings and weigh-ins for behavioral support, give this large commercial weight loss program the highest long-term adherence rate of any diet studied. This plan doesn't exclude any food group and its point system encourages consumption of low-fat, high fiber meals.
-- Slim Fast, which received the second highest overall rating, is recommended for people who don't like to cook-branded bars and drinks replace part of breakfast and lunch-and dieters need to prepare only one full meal a day. People on the Slim Fast plan lost the most weight in six months using products like 180-calorie shakes.
-- The Zone is high in protein and includes copious amounts of high-fiber vegetables. Many companies offer home delivery of "Zone favorable meals." It is recommended for those who want a short-term high protein diet plan.
-- Ornish offers ultra low-fat, high-fiber vegetarian meals, which provide fairly large portions for the low calories.
-- Atkins Induction and Atkins Ongoing Weight Loss are appropriate for people who want a short-term high protein diet plan. The Atkins diet worked very well in the short term, with results at least as good as our other top-rated diets. But its nutritional deficiencies-too much fat, and too little fiber and too few fruits-depressed its overall Rating and may have a negative effect on some people's health.
In CR's Ratings, the overall score is based on adherence to nutritional guidelines and the results of clinical studies for each diet. Nutritional content was calculated by entering a week's worth of menus from each diet into a powerful nutritional analysis database. Analytical results include short- and long- term weight loss and dropout rates, and were derived from published clinical trials for each diet.
Several other popular weight-loss plans-eDiets, Jenny Craig, South Beach, and Volumetrics-are all low enough in calories to produce weight loss. But CR could not rate them for this report because these diets lacked data from large, long-term, published clinical trials.
CR suggests there are four ways to a winning diet: Eat high- bulk, low-calorie foods: This is a promising strategy for curbing hunger while keeping calories down. Such foods include fruits, veggies, and other water-filled foods such as soups. Control blood sugar: One way is to stay away from starchy, easy-to-digest carbohydrates, such as refined flour, white rice, and potatoes, and avoid added sugar. Eat plenty of high-fiber carbs, such as whole grains, fruits and veggies. Measure portions and seek encouragement.
CR's recommendations for choosing the best diet for you include:
-- Cut the easiest calories first. Eliminate the nonnutritive foods that are least important to you,
such as sugared soft drinks and juices and oversized baked goods.
-- Choose a safe dietary plan. If you have any medical condition check with your doctor before starting a weight-loss program. Don't strive for rapid weight loss. Increase fiber intake gradually and drink more water to avoid digestive upsets.
-- Consider personal preferences: People who like variety may tire of the limited menu of a meal-replacement diet.
-- Follow the rules: The more faithfully people adhere to a diet, the more successful they will be.
-- Be ready to switch: If, after three weeks, you find a diet is too difficult or unpleasant to follow, or you are not losing weight-try another.
Use their interactive "Calorie-needs Calculator" to determine your daily calorie needs-free from May 10 until July 6 at http://www.ConsumerReports.org. The June 2005 issue of Consumer Reports will be available May 10
Friday, May 06, 2005
New CDC Study Finds Few Children Receive Recommended Vision Screening or Eye Exam
A study released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that millions of children do not receive the vision evaluations recommended by top medical organizations, placing them at greater risk for permanent vision loss, as well as physical and emotional difficulties.
The study, published as the lead article in the May 6 edition of CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, finds that only one in three children received a vision screening or eye exam before entering kindergarten. Yet, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, all children should receive a vision screening before entering school; the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends either a vision screening or an eye exam in the preschool years.
"What's startling is that despite our medical guidelines, only a small number of children are actually receiving the preventative, primary care they need to ensure healthy vision," said ophthalmologist Elaine Hathaway, M.D. "This report should be a wake-up call to both primary care providers and eyecare professionals; we must do better."
A vision screening is a test administered by a pediatrician, family practitioner, school nurse or lay person which detects visual acuity problems. An eye exam is more comprehensive than a vision screening and measures a number of visual skills that are critical to a child's healthy vision, such as using both eyes as a team, the ability for the eyes to focus properly when reading a book or viewing a computer, and the ability for the eyes to move properly when reading across a page of print.
The report states that approximately 1.8 million children under the age of 18 (2.5 percent) are blind or have some form of visual impairment. According to Hathaway, many cases of visual impairment could be eliminated simply through more timely diagnosis and treatment.
"Amblyopia is the leading cause of vision loss in young Americans," she stated, "but vision loss can be avoided with early detection and treatment. If we're serious about preventing vision loss, we need to make sure that children receive the necessary preventative vision care."
Undetected and untreated vision problems can also have an impact on a child's physical and emotional development. According to the report, "visual cues are important to how a child learns to understand and function in the world. Impaired vision can affect a child's cognitive, emotional, neurologic and physical development by potentially limiting the range of experiences and kinds of information to which the child is exposed."
Aside from taking their child to the eye doctor for an eye exam, there are some warning signs that can alert parents to a potential vision problem. Look for these five telltale signs of poor vision in your child:
1. Squinting, closing or covering one eye; excessive blinking or rubbing of the eyes
2. Dislike and/or avoidance of close work; short attention span; frequent daydreaming
3. Placing the head close to a book when reading; losing place while reading
4. Complaints of headaches, nausea and dizziness; excessive clumsiness
5. Turning or tilting the head to one side
"If parents notice any warning signs, they should take their child to an eye doctor for an eye exam," said Hathaway. "Being proactive is the best way to make sure your child has healthy vision and is able to develop up to his or her potential."
A study released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that millions of children do not receive the vision evaluations recommended by top medical organizations, placing them at greater risk for permanent vision loss, as well as physical and emotional difficulties.
The study, published as the lead article in the May 6 edition of CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, finds that only one in three children received a vision screening or eye exam before entering kindergarten. Yet, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, all children should receive a vision screening before entering school; the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends either a vision screening or an eye exam in the preschool years.
"What's startling is that despite our medical guidelines, only a small number of children are actually receiving the preventative, primary care they need to ensure healthy vision," said ophthalmologist Elaine Hathaway, M.D. "This report should be a wake-up call to both primary care providers and eyecare professionals; we must do better."
A vision screening is a test administered by a pediatrician, family practitioner, school nurse or lay person which detects visual acuity problems. An eye exam is more comprehensive than a vision screening and measures a number of visual skills that are critical to a child's healthy vision, such as using both eyes as a team, the ability for the eyes to focus properly when reading a book or viewing a computer, and the ability for the eyes to move properly when reading across a page of print.
The report states that approximately 1.8 million children under the age of 18 (2.5 percent) are blind or have some form of visual impairment. According to Hathaway, many cases of visual impairment could be eliminated simply through more timely diagnosis and treatment.
"Amblyopia is the leading cause of vision loss in young Americans," she stated, "but vision loss can be avoided with early detection and treatment. If we're serious about preventing vision loss, we need to make sure that children receive the necessary preventative vision care."
Undetected and untreated vision problems can also have an impact on a child's physical and emotional development. According to the report, "visual cues are important to how a child learns to understand and function in the world. Impaired vision can affect a child's cognitive, emotional, neurologic and physical development by potentially limiting the range of experiences and kinds of information to which the child is exposed."
Aside from taking their child to the eye doctor for an eye exam, there are some warning signs that can alert parents to a potential vision problem. Look for these five telltale signs of poor vision in your child:
1. Squinting, closing or covering one eye; excessive blinking or rubbing of the eyes
2. Dislike and/or avoidance of close work; short attention span; frequent daydreaming
3. Placing the head close to a book when reading; losing place while reading
4. Complaints of headaches, nausea and dizziness; excessive clumsiness
5. Turning or tilting the head to one side
"If parents notice any warning signs, they should take their child to an eye doctor for an eye exam," said Hathaway. "Being proactive is the best way to make sure your child has healthy vision and is able to develop up to his or her potential."
Thursday, May 05, 2005
May is National Electrical Safety Month – Order A Free Electrical Safety Video From CPSC
In 2001, 180 people were electrocuted in incidents involving products ranging from home appliances to ladders to exposed wiring. In 1999, there were nearly 40,000 electrical fires, resulting 180 deaths, over 1,000 injuries, and over $700 million in property damage caused by overheated wires, cords, outlets and lights. In recognition of National Electrical Safety Month, CPSC is teaming up with the Electrical Safety Foundation International to offer consumers - free of charge – a safety video covering all of the electrical shock and fire hazards that exist in older and modern homes.
The video is called “Wired for Safety” and features Cliff Meidl, US Olympic Team Flagbearer for the 2000 Sydney Games. Cliff fought back from a nearly fatal incident involving a buried power line and made the Olympic team as a kayaker.
For a free copy of “Wired for Safety” (in VHS or CD-Rom format), consumers can send an e-mail to info@cpsc.gov or call (301) 504-7908.
In 2001, 180 people were electrocuted in incidents involving products ranging from home appliances to ladders to exposed wiring. In 1999, there were nearly 40,000 electrical fires, resulting 180 deaths, over 1,000 injuries, and over $700 million in property damage caused by overheated wires, cords, outlets and lights. In recognition of National Electrical Safety Month, CPSC is teaming up with the Electrical Safety Foundation International to offer consumers - free of charge – a safety video covering all of the electrical shock and fire hazards that exist in older and modern homes.
The video is called “Wired for Safety” and features Cliff Meidl, US Olympic Team Flagbearer for the 2000 Sydney Games. Cliff fought back from a nearly fatal incident involving a buried power line and made the Olympic team as a kayaker.
For a free copy of “Wired for Safety” (in VHS or CD-Rom format), consumers can send an e-mail to info@cpsc.gov or call (301) 504-7908.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Vonage and Verizon Partner For 911 Service, No Word From Texas AG On Suit
Less than two months after Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott filed suit against telephony company Vonage for "failing to make clear to consumers that the company’s current service does not include access to traditional emergency 9-1-1 service", the Internet company has partnered with Verizon.
In a detailed press release issued today, Vonage announced that limited enhanced 911 service was available through Verizon when callers were in "Verizon's territory".
Consumer Help Web reported on March 23 that Texas had filed suit against Vonage when a Houston woman could not reach police after two people were shot in her home. Today, there was no word from Attorney General Abbott regarding the Vonage suit.
Less than two months after Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott filed suit against telephony company Vonage for "failing to make clear to consumers that the company’s current service does not include access to traditional emergency 9-1-1 service", the Internet company has partnered with Verizon.
In a detailed press release issued today, Vonage announced that limited enhanced 911 service was available through Verizon when callers were in "Verizon's territory".
Consumer Help Web reported on March 23 that Texas had filed suit against Vonage when a Houston woman could not reach police after two people were shot in her home. Today, there was no word from Attorney General Abbott regarding the Vonage suit.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
More Data Woes As Time Warner Loses Information On 600,000 People
Media giant Time Warner announced to employees yesterday that its data storage company had lost a container of backup tapes containing personal information about its past and current employees.
In a letter from Senior Vice President Larry Cockrell, employees were advised that the United States Secret Service was investigating the disappearance. U.S. employees, the only country whose employees were impacted, were offered free credit monitoring services to help them guard against identity theft.
Other organizations reporting data loss in recent months include information brokers ChoicePoint and Lexis Nexis, the University of California at Berkeley, Bank of America and shoe retailer DSW.
Tips consumers can use to help guard against identity theft appeared in this blog entry on February 18, 2005.
Media giant Time Warner announced to employees yesterday that its data storage company had lost a container of backup tapes containing personal information about its past and current employees.
In a letter from Senior Vice President Larry Cockrell, employees were advised that the United States Secret Service was investigating the disappearance. U.S. employees, the only country whose employees were impacted, were offered free credit monitoring services to help them guard against identity theft.
Other organizations reporting data loss in recent months include information brokers ChoicePoint and Lexis Nexis, the University of California at Berkeley, Bank of America and shoe retailer DSW.
Tips consumers can use to help guard against identity theft appeared in this blog entry on February 18, 2005.
Monday, May 02, 2005
CARFAX Partners With Vehicle Frame Company, Consumer Education Campaign Planned
Carfax, the nations leading provider of vehicle history information, today announced the formation of a strategic partnership with Chief Automotive Systems. The companies have joined forces to provide consumers with vital information on the importance of a properly aligned vehicle frame and how they can verify the current condition of a vehicle frame before they buy. The products and services the companies develop will help used car dealers and consumers more accurately assess the health of one of a vehicles' most vital safety systems - its frame.
"Carfax and Chief have well established reputations in their respective markets," said Randy Gard, president, Chief Automotive Systems. "Together we are developing innovative systems to bring information about a vehicle's structural integrity to the used-car market and help dealers and consumers make better decisions."
Later this Spring the companies will launch a cooperative consumer education campaign highlighting the role frame integrity plays in the safety and reliability of any vehicle, and the importance of making a detailed frame inspection part of an informed buying decision.
"A paramount concern for buyers of used cars is prior damage and repair information," said Dick Raines, president, Carfax. "Our partnership with Chief allows us to provide additional information about a vehicle's past and will help establish a standard for frame repairs."
Carfax, the nations leading provider of vehicle history information, today announced the formation of a strategic partnership with Chief Automotive Systems. The companies have joined forces to provide consumers with vital information on the importance of a properly aligned vehicle frame and how they can verify the current condition of a vehicle frame before they buy. The products and services the companies develop will help used car dealers and consumers more accurately assess the health of one of a vehicles' most vital safety systems - its frame.
"Carfax and Chief have well established reputations in their respective markets," said Randy Gard, president, Chief Automotive Systems. "Together we are developing innovative systems to bring information about a vehicle's structural integrity to the used-car market and help dealers and consumers make better decisions."
Later this Spring the companies will launch a cooperative consumer education campaign highlighting the role frame integrity plays in the safety and reliability of any vehicle, and the importance of making a detailed frame inspection part of an informed buying decision.
"A paramount concern for buyers of used cars is prior damage and repair information," said Dick Raines, president, Carfax. "Our partnership with Chief allows us to provide additional information about a vehicle's past and will help establish a standard for frame repairs."
