SPECIAL ALERT TO ALL VETERANS - Millions of data records compromised
On the heels of a government program designed to educate and protect consumers against identity theft, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that a data analyst took home a disc with personally identifying information for 26.5 million veterans and some spouses. While the disc was at the employee's home, the house was allegedly burgarlarized and the information was taken. The VA claims that the data includes names, Social Security numbers and dates of birth in addition to "some disability ratings".
"It is incompehensible that any one single employee could remove the entire roster of veteran's information without more elaborate protection," said Consumer Help Web President Joan Bounacos. "How a government employee, no matter how high ranking, can be permitted to hold this information in a transportable medium is something that the government must review. This represents critical data for nearly 1 out of every 10 Americans," she added.
The VA has set up a manned call center that veterans may call to get information about this situation and learn more about consumer identity protections. That toll-free number is 1-800-FED INFO (333-4636). The call center will be open beginning today, and will operate from 8 am to 9 pm (EDT), Monday-Saturday as long as it is needed. The call center will be able to handle up to 20,000 calls per hour (260,000 calls per day).
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson has briefed the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, co-chairs of the President's Identity Theft Task Force. Task Force members have already taken actions to protect the affected veterans, including working with the credit bureaus to help ensure that veterans receive the free credit report they are entitled to under the law. Additionally, the Task Force will meet today to coordinate the comprehensive Federal response, recommend further ways to protect affected veterans, and increase safeguards to prevent the reoccurrence of such incidents.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Friday, May 19, 2006
Government Launches Identity Theft Education Program
You can take steps to minimize your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft. That is the message of a nationwide education program launched today by the Federal Trade Commission:“AvoID Theft: Deter, Detect, Defend.”
Deter – Take steps to reduce your risk of ID theft
Detect – Monitor your personal information
Defend – Act quickly when you suspect identity theft
The program coincides with issuance of an executive order signed by President Bush, creating an Identity Theft Task Force, chaired by Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales and co-chaired by FTC Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras. The Task Force will develop a strategic plan to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of government efforts to deter, prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute identity theft.
“Personal information is the new currency,” said Chairman Majoras. “Consumers should protect their personal information as carefully as they protect their cash.”
The FTC and the Justice Department will send “AvoID Theft: Deter, Detect, Defend” education kits to 4,500 victim advocates across the country. The U.S. Social Security Administration will involve its field offices. Other partners include the National Association of Realtors, the American College Personnel Association – College Student Educators International, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, the National Crime Prevention Council, the National Apartment Association, and America’s Community Bankers.
The FTC maintains the central federal database for ID theft complaints. With experts in ID theft, privacy, and data security, its Division of Privacy and Identity Protection helps criminal law enforcement detect and prosecute identity thieves, and provides victim assistance and consumer education. The agency also pursues law enforcement actions against companies that fail to provide reasonable security for sensitive customer data. Since 2001, the FTC has brought 13 such cases, and challenges organizations that make deceptive claims about privacy procedures and security.
Materials in the “AvoID Theft: Deter, Detect, Defend” education kit include a victim recovery guide, “Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft. The kit also contains a training booklet, “Talking About Identity Theft: A How-To Guide,” and a 10-minute video on identity theft. All materials are available in English and in Spanish. Through a toll-free number (1-877-IDTHEFT) and Web site, the FTC has distributed more than 22 million publications on identity theft.
You can take steps to minimize your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft. That is the message of a nationwide education program launched today by the Federal Trade Commission:“AvoID Theft: Deter, Detect, Defend.”
Deter – Take steps to reduce your risk of ID theft
Detect – Monitor your personal information
Defend – Act quickly when you suspect identity theft
The program coincides with issuance of an executive order signed by President Bush, creating an Identity Theft Task Force, chaired by Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales and co-chaired by FTC Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras. The Task Force will develop a strategic plan to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of government efforts to deter, prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute identity theft.
“Personal information is the new currency,” said Chairman Majoras. “Consumers should protect their personal information as carefully as they protect their cash.”
The FTC and the Justice Department will send “AvoID Theft: Deter, Detect, Defend” education kits to 4,500 victim advocates across the country. The U.S. Social Security Administration will involve its field offices. Other partners include the National Association of Realtors, the American College Personnel Association – College Student Educators International, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, the National Crime Prevention Council, the National Apartment Association, and America’s Community Bankers.
The FTC maintains the central federal database for ID theft complaints. With experts in ID theft, privacy, and data security, its Division of Privacy and Identity Protection helps criminal law enforcement detect and prosecute identity thieves, and provides victim assistance and consumer education. The agency also pursues law enforcement actions against companies that fail to provide reasonable security for sensitive customer data. Since 2001, the FTC has brought 13 such cases, and challenges organizations that make deceptive claims about privacy procedures and security.
Materials in the “AvoID Theft: Deter, Detect, Defend” education kit include a victim recovery guide, “Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft. The kit also contains a training booklet, “Talking About Identity Theft: A How-To Guide,” and a 10-minute video on identity theft. All materials are available in English and in Spanish. Through a toll-free number (1-877-IDTHEFT) and Web site, the FTC has distributed more than 22 million publications on identity theft.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
80% of Americans With Bad Vision Can Benefit From Corrective Lenses
A National Institutes of Health (NIH) study has found that although 94 percent of Americans aged 12 and older have good vision, the remaining six percent, or 14 million, are visually impaired. Of these, more than 11 million have uncorrected visual impairment, such as nearsightedness. They need eyeglasses or contact lenses to improve their vision.
Teenagers, people with diabetes, Hispanics, and people who are economically disadvantaged have higher rates of visual impairment and can most benefit from corrective lenses. This study is published in the May 10, 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D., director of the NIH, said, “This is the first national survey on vision since the mid-1970s, and it confirms that uncorrected visual impairment is a major public health problem. The good news is that we now have information on the extent of visual impairment in the United States that will be available to policymakers as they seek to address health care issues at the local, state, and national levels.”
This study, designed and supported by the National Eye Institute (NEI) of the NIH, was part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, an ongoing survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 15,000 people participated in the survey from 1999 to 2002. They were interviewed in their homes and were invited to undergo a comprehensive health examination in a mobile examination center (MEC). More than 14,000 reported to a MEC, and more than 13,000 completed visual acuity tests.
Paul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D., director of vision research at NIH, said, “This study found that most people who have a visual impairment could achieve good vision with proper eyeglasses or contact lenses. So, if you have trouble seeing, you should get your eyes examined as soon as possible. It may be that corrective lenses will improve your vision. But, if you do have an eye disease, the sooner it is found, the more likely it is that treatment can help preserve your vision.”
The study authors made the following recommendations:
A National Institutes of Health (NIH) study has found that although 94 percent of Americans aged 12 and older have good vision, the remaining six percent, or 14 million, are visually impaired. Of these, more than 11 million have uncorrected visual impairment, such as nearsightedness. They need eyeglasses or contact lenses to improve their vision.
Teenagers, people with diabetes, Hispanics, and people who are economically disadvantaged have higher rates of visual impairment and can most benefit from corrective lenses. This study is published in the May 10, 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D., director of the NIH, said, “This is the first national survey on vision since the mid-1970s, and it confirms that uncorrected visual impairment is a major public health problem. The good news is that we now have information on the extent of visual impairment in the United States that will be available to policymakers as they seek to address health care issues at the local, state, and national levels.”
This study, designed and supported by the National Eye Institute (NEI) of the NIH, was part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, an ongoing survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 15,000 people participated in the survey from 1999 to 2002. They were interviewed in their homes and were invited to undergo a comprehensive health examination in a mobile examination center (MEC). More than 14,000 reported to a MEC, and more than 13,000 completed visual acuity tests.
Paul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D., director of vision research at NIH, said, “This study found that most people who have a visual impairment could achieve good vision with proper eyeglasses or contact lenses. So, if you have trouble seeing, you should get your eyes examined as soon as possible. It may be that corrective lenses will improve your vision. But, if you do have an eye disease, the sooner it is found, the more likely it is that treatment can help preserve your vision.”
The study authors made the following recommendations:
- Health care professionals should talk to their patients about the importance of eye health and encourage them to participate in routine vision screenings and eye examinations.
- People who already wear eyeglasses or contact lenses should return to their eye care professional for periodic eye examinations.
- Efforts to increase public awareness about the importance of routine eye examinations should be undertaken.
- Vision screening opportunities for the public should be expanded.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Home Depot Hides From Consumer Help Web
After replying on and off to multiple complaints during the last several years, Consumer Help Web's President Joan Bounacos was advised today by "Iesha" at the company's headquarters that one of our complaints has a written notation to "not respond to Consumer Help Web".
As with the hundreds of companies and consumers we have helped reach resolution over the years, Consumer Help Web has always treated Home Depot with respect and immediately removed any complaints once the company responded, even if the consumer did not receive their desired resolution.
Bounacos would not comment on the consumer advocacy company's response, but did state that she was in touch with corporate management to once again work with the company. "Failing that, we'll take some advocacy action," she said. "What shape that takes is still undecided, but I have notified the Board that Home Depot has apparently created a written policy about responding to our mutual customers. There are many options available to hold companies accountable to their customers, and we will pursue those if necessary."
After replying on and off to multiple complaints during the last several years, Consumer Help Web's President Joan Bounacos was advised today by "Iesha" at the company's headquarters that one of our complaints has a written notation to "not respond to Consumer Help Web".
As with the hundreds of companies and consumers we have helped reach resolution over the years, Consumer Help Web has always treated Home Depot with respect and immediately removed any complaints once the company responded, even if the consumer did not receive their desired resolution.
Bounacos would not comment on the consumer advocacy company's response, but did state that she was in touch with corporate management to once again work with the company. "Failing that, we'll take some advocacy action," she said. "What shape that takes is still undecided, but I have notified the Board that Home Depot has apparently created a written policy about responding to our mutual customers. There are many options available to hold companies accountable to their customers, and we will pursue those if necessary."
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Oklahoma Consumers Can Now Get Tattoos Without Traveling
With the stroke of a pen, Oklahoma today became the last state in the nation to make tattooing lawful. Gov. Brad Henry said he signed Senate Bill 806 to help ensure greater public health.
“Regardless of one’s personal views about tattoos, the plain fact is that tattooing is prevalent,” he said. “Public health experts say that tattooing must be regulated if we are to help guard against health hazards that might arise from shoddy practices. Illegal tattooing already occurs in Oklahoma. It is important that we do what we can to make sure those who get a tattoo don’t also end up contracting a disease such as HIV or hepatitis B or C.”
Authored by state Sen. Frank Shurden (D-Henryetta) and Rep. Al Lindley (D-Oklahoma City), the measure requires that all tattoo operators be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Health. The agency will determine appropriate rules and standards for tattooing in the state.Under SB 806, it would still be illegal to perform tattooing on a person younger than 18. The new law takes effect Nov. 1.
With the stroke of a pen, Oklahoma today became the last state in the nation to make tattooing lawful. Gov. Brad Henry said he signed Senate Bill 806 to help ensure greater public health.
“Regardless of one’s personal views about tattoos, the plain fact is that tattooing is prevalent,” he said. “Public health experts say that tattooing must be regulated if we are to help guard against health hazards that might arise from shoddy practices. Illegal tattooing already occurs in Oklahoma. It is important that we do what we can to make sure those who get a tattoo don’t also end up contracting a disease such as HIV or hepatitis B or C.”
Authored by state Sen. Frank Shurden (D-Henryetta) and Rep. Al Lindley (D-Oklahoma City), the measure requires that all tattoo operators be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Health. The agency will determine appropriate rules and standards for tattooing in the state.Under SB 806, it would still be illegal to perform tattooing on a person younger than 18. The new law takes effect Nov. 1.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Consumers With Chronic Health Conditions Face Insurance Crisis
AARP, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action NetworkSM (ACS CAN) and the American Diabetes Association are working together to defeat a proposal expected to be voted on in the US Senate SOON that could make health care coverage more expensive for sicker or older workers and eliminate coverage protections for important health screenings and treatments for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening or chronic illnesses.
These leading health and consumer organizations previewed a joint national advertising effort that will help educate voters about negative effects of the Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act of 2006 (S. 1955). Sponsored by Senators Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Ben Nelson (D-NE) the bill could make it harder for workers age 50 and older to get a job that provides health insurance, among other things.
In addition, health advocates worry about the long-term effects this bill will have on citizens nationwide, as it would preempt state guarantees of coverage for health benefits such as mammography, cancer screenings, emergency care, mental health services, and diabetes supplies and education.
The bill would allow any insurer to sell health policies that bypass state consumer protections requiring coverage for cancer screenings and treatments, diabetes supplies and education, well-child care and immunizations, maternity care, emergency services, and mental health care.
By doing so, Congress would partly undercut the states’ traditional role of regulating the business of insurance, such as setting requirements for what benefits should be covered and how insurance should be priced. The bill would let insurance companies sell health policies that do not meet state requirements, such as fairness in pricing for those who are older and those who are sicker.
AARP CEO Bill Novelli explains, “While it is a laudable goal to make health insurance more accessible and affordable for small businesses, the ‘Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act’ does so by giving these businesses an incentive to avoid hiring or retaining sicker or older workers.”
“Ensuring access to cancer screenings and treatments is critical in the nation’s effort to reduce cancer deaths,” said John R. Seffrin, PhD, CEO for the American Cancer Society. “This bill would do more harm than good by undermining the critical work our volunteers and state legislators have done to ensure coverage for lifesaving mammograms, off-label prescription drugs and other benefits that help detect and treat cancer.”
American Diabetes Association CEO Lynn Nicholas said, “Forty-six states currently require state-regulated insurers to cover diabetes supplies, medication and treatment. S.1955, however, would allow small business health plans to bypass these vital coverage regulations. This would be devastating to millions of Americans with diabetes to whom this assurance of coverage has been a lifeline, not a luxury.”
The groups report calls pouring into lawmakers but urge consumers to continue calling. "We are a small business," said Consumer Help Web President Joan Bounacos "but our first responsibility is to people, not an economic theory." Bounacos' consumer advocacy organization joined the others in calling for consumers to contact their Senators. "If you don't know the number," she advised, "you can always be connected directly. Just reference the Senate's telephone directory, find your two Senators and call."
Bounacos also urged that callers write to the American Diabetes Association at makingnoise@diabetes.org to tell them you made the call to help consumers.
Consumer Help Web acknowledges the work done by the American Diabetes Association in making us aware of this issue and providing much of the detail. All involved organizations are to be commended for their efforts in helping Americans stay healthier, not helping American financial statements grow.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Apple Throttles iPod Volume
Apple has released a software update for the iPod® nano and fifth generation iPod, allowing customers to easily set their own personal maximum volume limit. The software update also gives parents the ability to set a maximum volume limit on their child’s iPod and lock it with a combination code.
“As the leading provider of digital music players, Apple continuously brings iPod customers innovative and easy to use solutions,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing. “With the increased attention in this area, we want to offer customers an easy to use option to set their own personal volume limit.”
The new software update 1.1.1 is available immediately as a free download for the iPod nano and the fifth generation iPod from www.apple.com/ipod/download. The new Volume Limit feature works with any headphone or accessory plugged into the iPod headphone jack as well as the iPod Radio Remote. For further information on safe listening with iPod, please visit www.apple.com/sound.
Some critics had claimed that without the volume control and the product's "ear buds" that consumers could damage their hearing.
Apple has released a software update for the iPod® nano and fifth generation iPod, allowing customers to easily set their own personal maximum volume limit. The software update also gives parents the ability to set a maximum volume limit on their child’s iPod and lock it with a combination code.
“As the leading provider of digital music players, Apple continuously brings iPod customers innovative and easy to use solutions,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing. “With the increased attention in this area, we want to offer customers an easy to use option to set their own personal volume limit.”
The new software update 1.1.1 is available immediately as a free download for the iPod nano and the fifth generation iPod from www.apple.com/ipod/download. The new Volume Limit feature works with any headphone or accessory plugged into the iPod headphone jack as well as the iPod Radio Remote. For further information on safe listening with iPod, please visit www.apple.com/sound.
Some critics had claimed that without the volume control and the product's "ear buds" that consumers could damage their hearing.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Outsmarting Internet Crooks
In a game of basketball, baseball, or hockey, you
can't win without a strong defense. In the game against cyber
crooks, a strong defense is just as important. Learn some
new moves with Outsmarting Internet Crooks, a new, free
package of publications (including an informative DVD) from
the Federal Citizen Information Center.
Almost 10 million people are victims of identity theft
every year. But there are steps you can take to keep your
identity safe, whether you're surfing the Net or shopping
online. Don't use personal information to create your
passwords, and guard them as you would your house keys. To
keep thieves from stealing your personal information, shred
documents like bank statements, receipts, or credit card
bills that you might otherwise throw in the trash. Or
consider enrolling in online banking to receive account
statements electronically. You should also check your
credit report from each of the three credit reporting
agencies once a year-just to make sure no one's opened
unauthorized accounts in your name.
Don't forget, crooks love to use email. The messages
may seem harmless enough: "Make $60,000 with just a $20
investment!" or "Hot stock tip. Invest now!" But
responding to such messages can set you back thousands of
dollars. The Securities and Exchange Commission warns you
to always investigate the company and offer before you hand
over any cash. Be sure to read "Internet Fraud: How to
Avoid Internet Investment Scams," also in this package, for
ideas on how to safely use the Internet to invest.
Play harder in the game against identity thieves and
scam artists with the free Outsmarting Internet Crooks package.
There are three easy ways to get your package:
*Send your name and address to Outsmarting Internet Crooks,
Pueblo, Colorado 81009.
*Visit http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/rc/n39internetcrooks.htm
to place your order online or to read or print out these
and hundreds of other federal publications for free.
*Call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO. That's 1 (888) 878-3256,
weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time and ask for
Outsmarting Internet Crooks.
In a game of basketball, baseball, or hockey, you
can't win without a strong defense. In the game against cyber
crooks, a strong defense is just as important. Learn some
new moves with Outsmarting Internet Crooks, a new, free
package of publications (including an informative DVD) from
the Federal Citizen Information Center.
Almost 10 million people are victims of identity theft
every year. But there are steps you can take to keep your
identity safe, whether you're surfing the Net or shopping
online. Don't use personal information to create your
passwords, and guard them as you would your house keys. To
keep thieves from stealing your personal information, shred
documents like bank statements, receipts, or credit card
bills that you might otherwise throw in the trash. Or
consider enrolling in online banking to receive account
statements electronically. You should also check your
credit report from each of the three credit reporting
agencies once a year-just to make sure no one's opened
unauthorized accounts in your name.
Don't forget, crooks love to use email. The messages
may seem harmless enough: "Make $60,000 with just a $20
investment!" or "Hot stock tip. Invest now!" But
responding to such messages can set you back thousands of
dollars. The Securities and Exchange Commission warns you
to always investigate the company and offer before you hand
over any cash. Be sure to read "Internet Fraud: How to
Avoid Internet Investment Scams," also in this package, for
ideas on how to safely use the Internet to invest.
Play harder in the game against identity thieves and
scam artists with the free Outsmarting Internet Crooks package.
There are three easy ways to get your package:
*Send your name and address to Outsmarting Internet Crooks,
Pueblo, Colorado 81009.
*Visit http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/rc/n39internetcrooks.htm
to place your order online or to read or print out these
and hundreds of other federal publications for free.
*Call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO. That's 1 (888) 878-3256,
weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time and ask for
Outsmarting Internet Crooks.
Sales of Mautre Video Games To Children Decreasing
The Federal Trade Commission has released the results of its latest nationwide undercover shop of electronic and video game stores. The FTC conducted the shop to collect data on the extent to which retailers prevent children from buying video games that have been rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) as Mature. The FTC also announced a second comment period for an upcoming survey on awareness of and attitudes towards ESRB ratings.
The undercover shop saw a decrease in the number of M-Rated (for Mature) video games sold to unaccompanied children. Video games rated "M" by the ESRB contain content appropriate for those 17 and older. Forty-two percent of the secret shoppers, children between the ages of 13 and 16, who attempted to buy an M-rated video game without a parent were able to purchase one. In the 2003 shop, 69 percent of the shoppers were able to buy one. National sellers were much more likely to restrict sales of M-rated games. Only 35 percent of the secret shoppers were able to purchase such games there. Regional or local sellers sold M-rated games to the shoppers more frequently 63 percent of the time. The shop also marked other improvements by retailers, compared with results from the previous undercover shops by the FTC.
The Federal Trade Commission has released the results of its latest nationwide undercover shop of electronic and video game stores. The FTC conducted the shop to collect data on the extent to which retailers prevent children from buying video games that have been rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) as Mature. The FTC also announced a second comment period for an upcoming survey on awareness of and attitudes towards ESRB ratings.
The undercover shop saw a decrease in the number of M-Rated (for Mature) video games sold to unaccompanied children. Video games rated "M" by the ESRB contain content appropriate for those 17 and older. Forty-two percent of the secret shoppers, children between the ages of 13 and 16, who attempted to buy an M-rated video game without a parent were able to purchase one. In the 2003 shop, 69 percent of the shoppers were able to buy one. National sellers were much more likely to restrict sales of M-rated games. Only 35 percent of the secret shoppers were able to purchase such games there. Regional or local sellers sold M-rated games to the shoppers more frequently 63 percent of the time. The shop also marked other improvements by retailers, compared with results from the previous undercover shops by the FTC.
Nationwide Undercover Survey Results:
Was the shopper able to buy the M-rated video game? (Percent Yes)
2000 | 2001 | 2003 | 2005 |
85% | 78% | 69% | 42% |
Did the electronic game store provide information about ratings or ratings enforcement?
(Percent Yes)
2000 | 2001 | 2003 | 2005 |
12% | 26% | 27% | 44% |
Did the cashier or clerk ask the child’s age? (Percent Yes)
2000 | 2001 | 2003 | 2005 |
15% | 21% | 24% | 50% |
2005 Survey Results for National and Local and Regional Retailers (Percent Yes)
| Able to Buy an | Information Posted | Asked Their Age |
National | 35% | 51% | 55% |
Local and Regional | 63% | 23% | 35% |
The shop, conducted between October 2005 and January 2006, involved 406 stores in 43 states selling electronic or video games. Three hundred and six of the stores were national retailers, while the other 100 were local and regional sellers.
The undercover shop is the fourth conducted in connection with the Commission’s reports on the marketing of violent entertainment media to children. The Commission plans to conduct another undercover shop later this year to test whether young shoppers are able to buy tickets to R-rated films at movie theaters, R-rated movies on DVD, explicit-content labeled music recordings, and M-rated video games.
Tech Tags: video+game, FTC, M, ERSBWednesday, May 03, 2006
Common Cause Calls Out "Astroturf" Lobbying Organizations
Common Cause on Tuesday released a new report exposing "Astroturf" lobbying groups and other allies created by the telecommunications industry to pressure lawmakers to enact industry-friendly policies as Congress debates critical issues worth billions of dollars to the industry.
The report, Wolves in Sheep's Clothing: Telecom Industry Front Groups and Astroturf, profiles nine Astroturf groups and industry-funded think tanks pushing for telecom reform legislation as Congress debates issues such as network neutrality, video franchising competition, broadband access, as well as revisions to the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
"Right now, in many states, there are ads all over television touting so-called 'consumer benefits' like lower prices, more competition, better customer service," said Common Cause President Chellie Pingree.
"But those are just big business promises. The public's voice - what real people want and need out of our media system - is being left out of the debate."
Jeff Chester, executive director of the Center for Digital Democracy, who recently wrote a book on media politics that examined the role of front groups, said: "These organizations are deployed to weaken the effectiveness of independent nonprofit groups that advocate for the public at large. Policymakers often remain clueless that these 'helpful' think tanks or groups may actually be housed at the office of a lobbyist for the media industries. If one 'follows the money,' one can see that often groups and their independent experts have received funding from the same corporate source. That's why it's important to ask: where does the money come from and how does it relate to the position being endorsed?"
Telecommunications reform is a hot topic for Congress right now. Video franchising, competition, network neutrality and broadband access are all issues on the table, and they're worth potentially worth billions of dollars to the telecom industry.
Common Cause on Tuesday released a new report exposing "Astroturf" lobbying groups and other allies created by the telecommunications industry to pressure lawmakers to enact industry-friendly policies as Congress debates critical issues worth billions of dollars to the industry.
The report, Wolves in Sheep's Clothing: Telecom Industry Front Groups and Astroturf, profiles nine Astroturf groups and industry-funded think tanks pushing for telecom reform legislation as Congress debates issues such as network neutrality, video franchising competition, broadband access, as well as revisions to the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
"Right now, in many states, there are ads all over television touting so-called 'consumer benefits' like lower prices, more competition, better customer service," said Common Cause President Chellie Pingree.
"But those are just big business promises. The public's voice - what real people want and need out of our media system - is being left out of the debate."
Jeff Chester, executive director of the Center for Digital Democracy, who recently wrote a book on media politics that examined the role of front groups, said: "These organizations are deployed to weaken the effectiveness of independent nonprofit groups that advocate for the public at large. Policymakers often remain clueless that these 'helpful' think tanks or groups may actually be housed at the office of a lobbyist for the media industries. If one 'follows the money,' one can see that often groups and their independent experts have received funding from the same corporate source. That's why it's important to ask: where does the money come from and how does it relate to the position being endorsed?"
Telecommunications reform is a hot topic for Congress right now. Video franchising, competition, network neutrality and broadband access are all issues on the table, and they're worth potentially worth billions of dollars to the telecom industry.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
IRS Fights Phishing, Scams
The Internal Revenue Service has issued several recent consumer warnings on the fraudulent use of the IRS name or logo by scamsters trying to gain access to consumers’ financial information in order to steal their identity and assets.
Suspicious e-Mail/Phishing
Phishing is a scam where Internet fraudsters send e-mail messages to trick unsuspecting victims into revealing personal and financial information that can be used to steal the victims’ identity. Current scams include phony e-mails which claim to come from the IRS and which lure the victims into the scam by telling them that they are due a tax refund.
You Can Help Shut Down Phishing Schemes
The good news is that you can help shut down these schemes and prevent others from being victimized. If you receive a suspicious e-mail that claims to come from the IRS, you can relay that e-mail to a new IRS mailbox, phishing@irs.gov.
To Report Fraud
For other than phishing schemes, you may report the fraudulent misuse of the IRS name, logo, forms or other IRS property by calling the TIGTA toll-free hotline at 1-800-366-4484
Tags: IRS tax phishing fraud
The Internal Revenue Service has issued several recent consumer warnings on the fraudulent use of the IRS name or logo by scamsters trying to gain access to consumers’ financial information in order to steal their identity and assets.
Suspicious e-Mail/Phishing
Phishing is a scam where Internet fraudsters send e-mail messages to trick unsuspecting victims into revealing personal and financial information that can be used to steal the victims’ identity. Current scams include phony e-mails which claim to come from the IRS and which lure the victims into the scam by telling them that they are due a tax refund.
You Can Help Shut Down Phishing Schemes
The good news is that you can help shut down these schemes and prevent others from being victimized. If you receive a suspicious e-mail that claims to come from the IRS, you can relay that e-mail to a new IRS mailbox, phishing@irs.gov.
To Report Fraud
For other than phishing schemes, you may report the fraudulent misuse of the IRS name, logo, forms or other IRS property by calling the TIGTA toll-free hotline at 1-800-366-4484
Tags: IRS tax phishing fraud
Monday, May 01, 2006
200,000 HP Workers At Risk In Latest Data Breach
The names, social security numbers and other personally identifying information for 196,000 Hewlett-Packard employees were stored on a laptop stolen from one of the company's vendors, sources recently revealed.
The stolen computer belonged to finance giant Fidelity Investments. A spokesperson for that firm has been protesting for weeks that the information was not intended to be on a portable device. The company is offering limited credit monitoring services as a result of the data breach.
The names, social security numbers and other personally identifying information for 196,000 Hewlett-Packard employees were stored on a laptop stolen from one of the company's vendors, sources recently revealed.
The stolen computer belonged to finance giant Fidelity Investments. A spokesperson for that firm has been protesting for weeks that the information was not intended to be on a portable device. The company is offering limited credit monitoring services as a result of the data breach.
