The decade of the 90s is marked by giant leaps in the ability to collect, store and move information almost instantaneously around the world. Many businesses are using technology to improve customer service and to help target direct mail offers to those most likely to repond. New systems also speed up processing time for orders and help control the cost of doing business.

The expanded capability to collect, store and use data about our personal, financial, and medical histories concerns some consumers who wonder how such information is protected and who has access to it. There are many ways you can help to protect your privacy.

Credit Records:

Credit bureaus compile records of individual consumers’ credit habits to assist lenders, employers and other businesses (such as retail stores and utilities) in assessing applicants’ credit worthiness. You should check your credit bureau records periodically:

Get a copy of your credit report and check for inaccuracies. Credit records are usually maintained by credit bureaus which normally operate on one of three national reporting systems: Equifax, Trans Union, and TRW. Checking for inaccuracies will enable you to correct mistakes before you apply for a job, credit or insurance. Some bureau systems charge for a copy of your report. The law requires, if you have been denied credit within the last 30 days, the report is free from the bureau that supplied the report to the creditor.

If you find inaccuracies, write the credit bureau and explain the error(s). The bureau is required to re-verify the information within a reasonable time or remove it from your file. You may wish to review information held by the other major credit bureaus as well.

If there is negative information that must remain in your file, you can tell your side of the story. Send the bureau a brief statement of explanation (100 words) which must be kept in your file. Negative information is generally kept for seven years; bankruptcy information for ten.

Medical records:

The Medical Information Bureau (MIB) is a data bank used by about 270 insurance companies. Medical and some non-medical information about you is collected from insurers and with your authorization, shared when you apply for individual life, health, or disability insurance. MIB may have a brief coded report on applicants who have significant underwriting risks. The MIB helps insurers guard against fraud, as the cost of fraud is passed on to consumers through higher premiums.

You may obtain a copy of your MIB report by writing to MIB.

To verify its accuracy and completeness, discuss your MIB report and other medical records periodically with your doctor.

The address is: Medical Information Bureau (MIB), PO Box 105, Essex Station, Boston, Mass. 02112.

Incentive Programs:

Some retailers offer rebate, incentive, and warranty programs that benefit consumers. Ask who has access to information you provide to participate in these programs. Some companies use this data to create mailing lists that are sold to marketers. Many consumers find receiving such offers a benefit, others do not.

Rebate and incentive program applications ask for your name, address, and phone number. Ask whether you can participate without providing additional, personal information.

It is in your interest to return warranty cards to manufacturers so they can notify you about product warnings and recalls. You may leave blank those questions you feel are unnecessary for these purposes, and request in writing to opt out of marketing programs based on the type of personal information you provide.

Telecommunications:

“Caller ID” is a service offered by telephone companies in most states. Subscribing to “Caller ID” allows you to see the number from which incoming calls are placed before you pick up the telephone.

If you don’t recognize a number, you have the choice of answering or not.

If you choose not to answer, you can use an answering machine or service to avoid missing important calls from unfamiliar numbers.

If you don’t want your number revealed to those who have “Caller ID,” your local telephone company probably offers pre-call or pre-line blocking mechanisms to prevent it from being displayed. You also could call from a pay phone, or ask an operator to place the call and not reveal your number.

Companies with 800 and 900 numbers can use a similar number identification technology to record your telephone number when you call. Some firms use your number to help retrieve your records faster and improve the quality and speed of handling your call. Be aware when you call that firms may also match your numbers to your name and address to add to customer lists created for marketing or service purchases.

Cellular and cordless phone conversations are easily monitored. You may choose to avoid conducting confidential conversations on those phones, especially phone calls in which you reveal credit card numbers or other personal information.

Direct Marketing:

Many companies use direct mail and telemarketing to reach consumers. If you do not wish to be solicited, some companies let you opt out of these programs.

To reduce the number of direct mail or telephone solicitations you receive, write to the companies that are contacting you and ask to be removed from their lists. Also watch for special billing inserts provided by some companies which let you exclude your name from their lists.

Contact the Mail Preference Service and the Telephone Preference Service of the Direct Marketing Association (DMA). Your name can be removed from (or added to) the list of DMA members who participate in these programs. You will still get some mail and calls, but this will help reduce the volume. The addresses are: Mail Preference Service, PO Box 9008, Farmingdale, N.Y. 11735-9008 or Telephone Preference Service, PO Box 9014, Farmingdale, N.Y. 11735-9014.

To control what information about you is kept, say “no” to telemarketers who want more information than you feel is necessary and to those who refuse to send follow-up explanatory materials.

Under a new Federal law, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, a telemarketer who calls you cannot continue to call you if you have requested that the calls stop.

Identification:

Do not write your telephone number on credit or charge card purchase slips. Major credit and charge card providers do not require a telephone number for identification (where the merchant has no electronic or telephone connection with the card company to verify your account at the time of purchase, you may still be asked to proved a telephone number, however.)

To avoid common sources of fraud, do not allow your credit card account number to be written on your personal check, particularly if your drivers’ license number is being recorded as well. Do not preprint your social security number on your checks.

A number of states forbid merchants to record credit or charge card account numbers on personal checks. Merchants are permitted to simply note whether you have a major credit or charge card as an indication of your credit worthiness. Exceptions are services like emergency check cashing, where you have preapproved the use of your card to guarantee your check. Be warned, however, merchants may refuse to accept your check if you refuse to allow them to record your card number.

Consumer Forum is a collaborative effort of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast COMBAT. Send your questions to Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329. COMBAT is a membership organization with basic dues of $10 a year. For membership information write to the above address. Please enclose a large, stamped, self-addressed envelope.