Let The Consumer Beware!

TRUE OR FALSE It’s a good idea to have your Social Security number printed on your checks.

ANSWER False Scam artists can use your Social Security number to get access to other personal information about you. They also can use your SSN to assume your identity and establish new credit cards and checking accounts in your name.

TRUE OR FALSE It costs $25 per card to get Social Security cards from the federal government.

ANSWER False – Social Security cards are free from the Social Security Administration. Many companies will offer to obtain them for consumers for a fee.

TRUE OR FALSE It’s impossible to stop credit card companies from mailing you preapproved credit card offers.

ANSWER False – One toll-free call, (888) 567-8688, will notify all three major credit reporting agencies—Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union—to remove you from their lists for preapproved credit card offers. They will ask for your Social Security number so they can delete the right person.

TRUE OR FALSE It’s also almost impossible to stop getting junk mail.

ANSWER False – You may write the Direct Marketing Association, Mail Preference Service, at PO Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512. Include your name and address and ask them to remove you from national mailing lists. This will remove you from many lists, but not from all of them. For instance, you may not be able to get off of local, state, or regional mailing lists.

TRUE OR FALSE Being on a Federal “No Call” list will reduce the number of unsolicited telemarketing calls you receive.

ANSWER True –As of October 2003 The Federal “No Call” list went into effect in October 2003. Kentucky maintains a “No Call” list through the Office of the Attorney General. There are some exceptions for in- state companies and non-profit organizations. If you’re on Kentucky’s “No Call” list, you will automatically be added to the federal “No Call” list.

Questions Clip art: Microsoft Office Robert H. Flashman, PhD Extension Specialist for Family Resource Management November 2010 Copyright ©2010 for materials developed by University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. This publication may be reproduced in portions or its entirety for educational or nonprofit purposes only. Permitted users shall give credit to the author(s) and include this copyright notice.   Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.