Alan is an experienced presenter about social media and open-source technology for small business owners.

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From Google Labs:

One problem with reading news online today is that browsing can be really slow. A media-rich page loads dozens of files and can take as much as 10 seconds to load over broadband, which can be frustrating. What we need instead is a way to flip through articles really fast without unnatural delays, just as we can in print. The flow should feel seamless and let you rapidly flip forward to the content you like, without the constant wait for things to load. Imagine taking 10 seconds to turn the page of a print magazine!

Today we’re adding a new experiment to Google Labs: Google Fast Flip, accessible at fastflip.googlelabs.com. Fast Flip is a new reading experience that combines the best elements of print and online articles. Like a print magazine, Fast Flip lets you browse sequentially through bundles of recent news, headlines and popular topics, as well as feeds from individual top publishers. As the name suggests, flipping through content is very fast, so you can quickly look through a lot of pages until you find something interesting. At the same time, we provide aggregation and search over many top newspapers and magazines, and the ability to share content with your friends and community. Fast Flip also personalizes the experience for you, by taking cues from selections you make to show you more content from sources, topics and journalists that you seem to like. In short, you get fast browsing, natural magazine-style navigation, recommendations from friends and other members of the community and a selection of content that is serendipitous and personalized.

Pandora Radio is part of the Music Genome Project, founded by Will Glaser, Jon Kraft, and Tim Westergren. My favorite Pandora channels that I created include; U2, Enigma, Massive Attack, The Eagles, and Celtic Women. Massive Attack is my favorite for playing in  the background while writing client reports and working on other projects. It serves as a great “white noise” generator — so that I can focus on task at hand. Pandora Radio is an easy widget download from the Google phone “Marketplace”.

So, the next time you are sitting out a six-hour surveillance or just want to listen to something besides the annoying music selections at Starbucks — just click on your Pandora widget on your smart phone and enjoy music on your terms.

With Google Voice, any contact in my G-mail account (as long as I have the correct contact number/s) — is a FREE telephone call. The minutes I used on my T-Mobile plan were a grand total of three (3) minutes last month! Sure, it is a VoIP call — but the quality is very good and there is only some noticeable latency (delay) on certain calls received or placed.

Again, Google Voice is a tool that every “power” cell phone user should consider — for busienss and personal use. I reduced my daily cell phone holsters from three to ONE with just a little bit of work in Google Voice and with the friendly folks at Verizon.

Got Google?

Now that Facebook is the hip and cool way to let e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e know where you are and what you are up to — it is time to reduce your social media visibility just enough so that you don’t attract undue attention. This link offers some sound recommendation to all Facebook users and it receives “2 thumbs up” from this Facebook nerd.

Alan’s note: If you have been following my posts about Online Identity Management (OIM), then a lot of this blog post is relevant to privacy and OIM. Following these “best practices” can create a larger “privacy bubble” for almost anyone’s situation.

Stay Safe!

Although not an all-inclusive list, the following suggestions can be used by small executive protection details as a starting point to help mitigate collection efforts against U.S. interests. Note: This information could apply differently depending on location. For detailed information on the feasibility of some of this information at the ground level, you could contact the Regional Security Office of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Suggestions for Protectees and their Families:

Legal Letter: Sometimes a local government will honor requests for personal names to be taken off official public records, as well as other open sources of information, like property titles, utility records, etc. This is something your legal department could pursue.

DBA (Doing Business As): In lieu of using the protectee’s name on legal and financial records, consider establishing a DBA entity for all owned property, credit cards, utilities, vehicle registration, loans, leases (including storage facilities), magazines/newspapers, etc.

Property/Motor Vehicles/Boats/Aircraft Owned: All such property may be allowed to be listed in the name of the established DBA.

Medical: Every effort should be made to maintain security of the protectee’s name and personal identifiers. Any medical office that has or will have medical records relating to the protectee and their family could be contacted to ensure names, identifiers, financial records, medical records, insurance plans, and office appointments are not divulged to unauthorized people. Additionally, the medical office could be contacted to request all information be withheld from general databases and/or websites. If possible, all information and medical records relating to the protectee and their family should require a password prior to viewing by authorized personnel and hard files should be stored in a locked office or safe.

Driver’s License: Depending on the country, an International Driver’s License, or their nation’s Driver’s License may be required. In the United States, under certain circumstances, law enforcement is able to work with the local Department of Motor Vehicles to issue a license in a different name or block access to personal information in the system without proper authorization. In a foreign country, this could be difficult to do as a private party. Many countries have laws forbidding the issuance of Drivers’ Licenses with an alias name.

Phone Service: All phone numbers associated with the protectee should be unlisted. The phone company/server could be contacted to request all information be withheld from general databases and/or websites. If possible, the information should require a password prior to viewing by authorized personnel.

Mail: When overseas, depending on the country, the protectee may be able to rent a mailbox at a “Mailboxes, etc” or other similar facility. Many countries, however, do not have these services.

Schools: The school could be contacted and requests made to ensure protectee name(s) are not divulged to unauthorized personnel and if possible for the information to require a password prior to viewing by authorized personnel.

Grade School: Initially, a supervisor should contact the principal of the school. Through coordination with the principal, all of the protectee’s teachers should be contacted so that they have names and point of contact numbers in the event of an incident, potential threat, or unusual event.

College or University: A supervisor should contact the president, chief of police, appropriate dean and all affected professors of that institution so that they have names and point of contact numbers in the event of an incident, potential threat, or unusual event. That supervisor should request a representative with appropriate authority (i.e. dean) to be designated as the conduit between the protectee and the institution in regards to class registrations, assignments, grades, transcripts, financial transactions, and any other institution/protectee related concerns, to include but not limited to, authorized emails between professors and the protectee.

Computer Software: When purchasing and implementing computer software, the owner’s name could list the established DBA. Additionally, any personal email accounts should not indicate in any way or refer to the actual protectee name.

Vehicle Registration: The title of the vehicle could be registered under the DBA. Personalized license plates are not suggested.

Credit Cards/Checks: Credit cards and checks could be listed in the name of the established DBA. Many credit card company security divisions will work with individuals to issue cards in names other than their own. However, a problem may occur when traveling overseas if an individual is asked for identification along with the credit card when paying. If he/she does not have a Driver’s License or Passport in a matching name, there could be difficulties. In addition, many countries require a Passport when checking in to hotels.

If a DBA is not established, only the initials of the protectee should be listed on checks and credit cards. Credit reports should be requested at least once per year. Accounts that are no longer used should be cancelled.

Suggestions for Staff:

Traveling Logistics (Including Hotel and/or Rental Vehicle Reservations): The actual names of the protectee and family members should not be used during reservations or listed on their baggage. The created name should not be similar to the actual protectee name as the customer. Common last names are recommended to not stand out on a list (i.e. Smith, Johnson, Williams, Jones, Brown, Davis, Miller, Wilson, Moore, Cook, Harris, etc.). Additionally, the reservation “alias” should be changed on an annual basis. Consideration should be made as to the payment of such reservations (i.e. if a credit card is used in the true name of the protectee, the alias will be associated to the protectee).

Critical Information: Any personal or business contacts, phone numbers, addresses, etc. should be considered sensitive information, which could be used to get closer to an individual. It also includes business cards, copies of emails or memorandums (both internal and external), and any type of communication (email, post-it, memo, letter, message, voice message, day planner, etc) from or to an individual.
The following list, although not all inclusive, includes examples of highly sensitive information that should be treated as such (i.e. locked in a briefcase or container when not in use):

• Schedules and itineraries
• Equipment capabilities
• Access lists
• Operating and emergency procedures
• Event credentials
• Business/personal contacts
• Size and activity of security detail
• Staff/security detail personnel
• Travel logistics
• Contact phone numbers
• Security plans/site diagrams
• Call signs
• Motorcade routes
• Rosters

Sensitive information should not be left in hotel rooms or other unsecured locations and should be disposed of via shredder or burned.

Public Areas: Be mindful of communications when in:

• taxi cabs
• elevators
• hotel lobbies
• restaurants
• other public places

Unsecured Communication: Be mindful of communications when using:

• public telephones
• unsecured radios (“walkie-talkies”)
• email
• wireless electronic communication devices (e.g.: cellular phones, PDAs, pagers, etc.)

Identifiers: Be aware that an adversary may target you as an employee if you wear corporate identified clothing, badges, credentials, passes, pins, etc.
Need-to-Know: Compartmentalize your information; enforce “need to know.” Additionally, the identity of people requesting sensitive information should be confirmed PRIOR to providing any information.

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Surveillance is the process of observing facilities, vehicles and persons in order to obtain detailed information. Past incidents demonstrate that terrorist attacks are generally preceeded by surveillance to gain target intelligence. Recognizing surveillance is the first step in protecting individuals from becoming victims of terrorism. Unfortunately, many do not have training in detecting surveillance. While terrorist organizations often implement sophisticated methods, the type of surveillance they conduct is not as elaborate, nor does it involve as many people or as much equipment, as that of intelligence organizations. Nevertheless, it is crucial to maintain some familiarity with the techniques used in surveillance in order to detect it.

Purpose of Surveillance

The purpose of surveillance is two-fold: first, to determine the suitability of the potential target based upon the physical and procedural security precautions that the individual has taken. Second, surveillance is used to establish the most suitable time, location, and method of attack. The surveillant rarely takes part in the attack and the attack will not take place while surveillance is still in progress. Surveillance may last for days or weeks depending upon the length of time it takes to obtain the information required to plot an attack. Naturally, it will take less time for a victim who has set routines and who takes few precautions.

Before undertaking surveillance, information about the subject is obtained from other sources. Useful facts about an individual can be drawn from public records, local police, other government offices, and individuals sympathetic towards the terrorist organization. The information provided can reveal useful facts about an individual such as the names of family members, an address, a description of vehicles and license numbers, or photographs. The surveillants will investigate the neighborhood in which the target lives and works. This permits them to select positions of observation, the types of vehicles to use, the clothing to be worn, and the type of ruse necessary to appear ordinary or normal and provide plausible reasons to be in the area.

There are three basic forms of surveillance [generally categorized as either mobile or static]:
•    Foot
•    Vehicle
•    Stationary

Foot Surveillance

One or more individuals may undertake foot surveillance. Single-person foot surveillance is fairly easy to detect. The surveillant must remain close to the target, particularly in congested areas. In less congested areas, the surveillant can maintain a greater distance but with more vulnerability to detection due to a lack of other pedestrians. More often, surveillants will use more than one individual for foot surveillance.

Multiple Person Foot Surveillance Schemes

Multiple-person foot surveillance is very effective because it provides greater flexibility. If surveillants suspect detection, one or more may leave the operation altogether.

Surveillants using this scheme typically maintain the following set-up:
•    One surveillant remains close enough to the target to respond to any sudden moves.
•    The second surveillant may follow the first on the same side of the street or travel on the opposite side.
•    A third surveillant travels on the opposite side of the street parallel with or just behind the target.
•    In areas where the target has few paths to choose, one surveillant may walk in front of the target, where he or she is least likely to cause suspicion.
•    Positions are frequently changed (usually at intersections) to add confusion. The surveillant directly behind the target may cross to the opposite side of the street, while another surveillant moves in behind the target.

Methods for Detecting Foot Surveillance

Identifying foot surveillance can be difficult and requires a sharp awareness of the surrounding people. Multiple person surveillance techniques can be confusing to the victim and, therefore, alertness to the people across from, in front of, and behind is of utmost importance. If the same person is seen more than once over a distance, surveillance can be suspected even if that person is not continuously seen.

The most effective detection methods for most forms of foot surveillance are:
•    Stopping abruptly (particularly after turning a corner) and looking to the rear or suddenly reversing your course;
•    Watching reflections in shop windows or other reflective surfaces;
•    Entering a building and leaving immediately by another exit;
•    Walking slowly and then rapidly at intervals, making sudden turns or walking around the block;
•    Dropping a piece of paper to see if anyone retrieves it;
•    Boarding or exiting a bus or subway just before it starts;
•    Noticing if, while in an elevator, someone waits for you to push a button and then selects a floor one flight above or below.

While taking these actions, watch for people who are taken by surprise, react inappropriately, suddenly change direction, or give a signal to someone else. Surveillants will not normally look directly at the target but they may do so if they are surprised or unaware that they are being observed.

Additionally, surveillants might attempt to alter their physical appearance using disguises that can be conveniently hidden in a shopping bag. If a disguise is suspected, pay particular attention to shoes, slacks, skirts, and other items not easily changed.

Vehicle Surveillance

Foot surveillance is often used in conjunction with vehicle surveillance. In many cases, targets may travel in vehicles and on foot, so vehicle surveillance strategies allow surveillants more flexibility to adapt to targets by either following in a vehicle, or parking the vehicle and following on foot when appropriate. Surveillants also find motorcycles or motorbikes useful for moving through heavy traffic.

Indicators of Surveillance Vehicles

Surveillance vehicles may:

• Be inconspicuous and of subdued color;
• Contain two or more people. The driver gives full attention to driving, while one or more observers operate radios, and record target activity.
• Some vehicles may have dismantled dome lights so as to not illuminate the interior of the car when the door is opened.
• Vehicles may maintain a distance of one or two vehicles from the target, though this varies.
• To avoid losing a target, vehicles may break traffic regulations by running red lights, making illegal U-turns, speeding, or making sudden lane changes.
• While surveillants will employ a number of strategies to mask their surveillance, including changing their appearance or the appearance of the car, it is important to note aspects of appearance that are not easily changed, including the make, model and color of a vehicle, as well as exterior damage such as rust, dents, etc.

Multiple Vehicle Surveillance Schemes

Multiple vehicle surveillance schemes are sometimes used because single-vehicle surveillance is more easily detected. For example, single-vehicle surveillants must keep the target in view at all times, and must use the same vehicle. For these reasons, single vehicle surveillants must use deception to deter recognition by changing seat arrangements, donning hats, coats and glasses, changing license plates, or turning onto side streets momentarily.

Conversely, the use of multiple vehicles allows more protection against detection:
•    Surveillants can switch positions or drop out when necessary;
•    One vehicle may be used to follow the target and simultaneously direct other vehicles by radio;
•    One vehicle may follow the lead surveillance vehicle, precede the target, or travel on parallel roads;
•    At intersections, the lead surveillance vehicle may travel straight through an intersection, but alert other surveillance vehicles to the direction in which the target vehicle has turned. Another vehicle then takes lead position behind the target, and provides directions to other surveillance vehicles.

Leading and Progressive Vehicle Surveillance

People who have well established routines permit surveillants to use methods that are much more difficult to detect. For example, if the victim leaves the office at the same time each day and travels by the most direct route home, or has few or no alternate routes, surveillants have no need to follow all the way to the victim’s residence. In these situations, there are two alternative methods of surveillance: leading vehicle surveillance and progressive vehicle surveillance.

In leading vehicle surveillance the surveillant travels in front of the target and notes when the target turns. The next day the surveillant makes a turn where the target did the previous day. Over a period of time the surveillants will discover the entire route to the residence while still driving in a position that creates much less suspicion.

There are two forms of progressive vehicle surveillance. In the first form, surveillants are stationed at intersections along the presumed routes of the target. Noting where the target turns, the position of the surveillant is adjusted on subsequent days to follow the route. In the second form of progressive surveillance, a vehicle will follow the target for a short distance and then turn off. The following day, the route of the target is picked up where the surveillant left off the previous day. Eventually, these methods lead the surveillants to the target’s residence.

Methods for Detecting Vehicle Surveillance

The most effective methods for detecting most forms of vehicle surveillance are:
•    Making a U-turn where it is safe to do so;
•    Making a turn to the right or left (left turns, in right-hand drive countries, create greater complications for surveillants because of oncoming traffic that may delay a turn);
•    Going through a traffic light just as it is turning red;
•    Stopping just beyond a curve or hill;
•    Circling a block.
Watch for reactions to these procedures from any suspected vehicles and carefully note any unusual maneuvers.

Stationary Surveillance

Most terrorist attacks take place near the residence or the office, the least varied areas of travel. People are more vulnerable in the morning when departing for work because morning departure times are more predictable than are evening arrivals. Therefore, stationary surveillants will naturally focus on these locations and the morning timeframe. They will seek a position that permits them to monitor the residence or office clearly without being observed or suspected.

Typical Positions for Stationary Surveillance:

•    An apartment or office space in the area;
•    Vans with tinted windows on the sides or back that permit observation from the interior (the van may have the name of a store or utility company);
•    A vehicle facing away from the target and parked far enough from the residence or office to be less noticeable, using other vehicles for cover.
The license numbers of any suspicious vehicles should be noted and reported to a security office for inspection. If surveillance from a van is suspected, write down any information printed on the side of the van, including telephone numbers, and then check the telephone book to see if such a business exists.

Indicators of Stationary Surveillance:

While it may be difficult to detect stationary surveillance, there are many indicators and precautions one can follow to enhance awareness. Make a habit of checking the neighborhood through a window before you go out each day and be alert to:
•    Persons acting suspiciously under these and other ruses: automotive repairmen / vehicle breakdowns, door-to-door salespeople, utility repair crew, lovers in a park, people walking dogs, construction workers, and people sitting at a café for a prolonged amount of time (women and children are often used to give a greater appearance of innocence);
•    Parked vehicles with suspicious people in them;
•    Cars with more mirrors than is standard or mirrors that are larger than normal;
•    People seen in the area more frequently than seems normal;
•    People who are dressed inappropriately for the area;
•    Workers who seem to accomplish nothing.

Conclusion

Surveillants attempt to determine the suitability of a potential target by identifying the most opportune time for an attack; therefore, it is crucial to avoid predictability. Constantly varying routes and traveling times is tiresome, but daily implementation has proven to be effective in deterring terrorist planning. This habit should be applied to all activities where a pattern can develop, such as exercising outdoors or shopping.

Detecting surveillance requires a constant state of alertness and must become an unconscious habit. A good sense of what is normal and what is unusual in an environment is a vital security precaution. Any indications of surveillance should be reported immediately to the security office of your organization and the police.

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Carjacking is a (sadly) common problem and creates serious headaches for law enforcement and society in general. By adopting “best practices” and practicing “situational awareness” — individuals can do a lot to mitigate the physical and financial harm that carjacking causes.

My rule of thumb about carjacking defense — “Is 4,500 lbs of metal and plastic worth a life?” — not really — give up the car keys and just live to be a great witness. This is one instance where becoming a passive victim pays off with your life remaining intact.

STAY SAFE!

CARJACKING has become one of the most prevalent crimes in many parts of the world. Most carjackings occur for the sole purpose of taking the car; it is a crime without a political agenda and does not specifically target Americans.

You can protect yourself by becoming familiar with the methods, ruses, and locations commonly used by carjackers.

AVOIDANCE

The first step to avoiding an attack is to stay alert at all times and be aware of your environment. The most likely places for a carjacking are:

· High crime areas
· Lesser traveled roads (rural areas)
· Intersections where you must stop
· Isolated areas in parking lots
· Residential driveways and gates
· Traffic jams or congested areas

Learn to avoid these areas and situations if possible. If not, take steps to prevent an attack.

In traffic, look around for possible avenues of escape. Keep some distance between you and the vehicle in front so you can maneuver easily if necessary – about one-half of your vehicle’s length. (You should always be able to see the rear tires of the vehicle in front of you.)

When stopped, use your rear and side view mirrors to stay aware of your surroundings. Also keep your doors locked and windows up. This increases your safety and makes it more difficult for an attacker to surprise you.

Accidents are one ruse used by attackers to control a victim. Following are common attack plans:

· “The Bump” – The attacker bumps the victim’s vehicle from behind. The victim gets out to assess the damage and exchange information. The victim’s vehicle is taken.
· “Good Samaritan” – The attacker(s) stage what appears to be an accident. They may simulate an injury. The victim stops to assist, and the vehicle is taken.
· “The Ruse” – The vehicle behind the victim flashes its lights or the driver waves to get the victim’s attention. The attacker tries to indicate that there is a problem with the victim’s car. The victim pulls over and the vehicle is taken.
· “The Trap” – Carjackers use surveillance to follow the victim home. When the victim pulls into his or her driveway waiting for the gate to open, the attacker pulls up behind and blocks the victim’s car.

If you are bumped from behind or if someone tries to alert you to a problem with your vehicle, pull over only when you reach a safe public place.

If you are driving into a gated community, call ahead to have the gate opened. Otherwise wait on the street until the gate is open before turning in and possibly getting trapped.

Think before stopping to assist in an accident. It may be safer to call and report the location, number of cars involved, and any injuries you observed.

You can avoid becoming a victim. Ruses and methods, as well as the types of cars most often targeted, differ from country to country. Talk with the regional security officer (RSO) at your post about local scams and accident procedures.

In all cases keep your cell phone or radio with you and immediately alert someone regarding your situation.

DURING A CARJACKING

In most carjacking situations, the attackers are interested only in the vehicle. Try to stay calm. Do not stare at the attacker as this may seem aggressive and cause them to harm you.

There are two options during an attack- nonresistive, nonconfrontational behavior and resistive or confrontational behavior. Your reaction should be based on certain factors:

· Type of attack
· Environment (isolated or public)
· Mental state of attacker (reasonable or nervous)
· Number of attackers
· Weapons
· Whether children are present

In the nonconfrontational situation, you would:
- give up the vehicle freely.
- listen carefully to all directions.
- make no quick or sudden movements that the attacker could construe as a counter attack.
- always keeps your hands in plain view. Tell the attacker of every move in advance.
- make the attacker aware if children are present. The attacker may be focused only on the driver and not know children are in the car.

In a resistive or confrontational response, you would make a decision to escape or attack the carjacker. Before doing so, consider:
- the mental state of the attacker.
- possible avenues of escape.
- the number of attackers; there is usually more than one.
- the use of weapons. (Weapons are used in the majority of carjacking situations.)

In most instances, it is probably safest to give up your vehicle.

AFTER THE ATTACK SAFETY

Always carry a cell phone or radio on your person.

If you are in a populated area, immediately go to a safe place. After an attack or an attempted attack, you might not be focused on your safety. Get to a safe place before contacting someone to report the incident.

REPORTING THE CRIME

Describe the event. What time of day did it occur? Where did it happen? How did it happen? Who was involved?

Describe the attacker(s). Without staring, try to note height, weight, scars or other marks, hair and eye color, the presence of facial hair, build (slender, large), and complexion (dark, fair).

Describe the attacker’s vehicle. If possible get the vehicle license number, color, make, model, and year, as well as any marks (scratches, dents, damage) and personal decorations (stickers, colored wheels).

The golden rule for descriptions is to give only that information you absolutely remember. If you are not sure, don’t guess!

CONCLUSION

Avoidance is the best way to prevent an attack. Use your judgment to evaluate the situation and possible reactions. Know safe areas to go to in an emergency. Always carry your cell phone or radio.

Non-confrontation is often the best response. The objective is not to thwart the criminal but to survive!

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Don’t Enter Contest

I don’t care if the contest is for free Gulfstream G5 executive jet — don’t enter contest! Your personal information will be harvested and re-purposed for other direct mail firms who are drooling for private information about you and your shopping (or wishful thinking) habits. You also have no control over what happens to that contest slip — b-e-c-a-u-s-e… you no longer “own” the information, once you place it into the barrel/bucket/box for the drawing. Not only is it stupid to enter contests — you will just cause every telemarketer in the country to call your telephone number and break you postal carrier’s back form all of the spam mail that s/he will deliver to your mail box.

Don’t Get a Radio License

If you are an aspiring ham radio operator and you kindly inform the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that you would like to apply and be granted a radio station (or operator) license — than you have just created another very permanent record of your private information (because you aren’t going to lie to “Big Brother”, are you?) that can be mined and re-sold to other sources. I was granted an FAA license as an Air Traffic Controller almost 30 years ago — and my information is still in the FAA’s online databases — if you know where to search for that information. My challlenge to you: Find and send me the address that I used at the time the license was awarded to me and I will send a Starbuck’s coffee card to the first reader that reports the correct information from my FAA profile. Good luck!

Don’t Get Parking Tickets

Duh! Breaking the law with any kind of infraction creates an instant public record — in most cases. I was able to locate a former felon in Tucson Arizona by merely studying all of the traffic tickets that he earned at three different suburbs of Tucson. Simple analysis of the street locations and the VIN information from the parking ticket yielded a successful surveillance assignment that was cost effective for the client — because of the parking tickets and Google Maps. We reduced the surveillance man-hours by narrowing the physical “footprint” of the geographic area and spent less than 4 hours of the client’s time and expense to locate the individual. Thank You Tucson Meter Maids!

Get on “No Junk Mail” List

“When in Doubt, Opt-Out!”  Just do everything you can to “opt-out” of any and all direct mail channels — including from your bank, credit cards, and other billers.

You can learn more about “Operation Opt-Out at: http://opt-out.cdt.org/featured/

The same advice applies to the National Do Not Call Registry.

Every year you will receive a pamplet with very tiny print from almost all of your banks, credit cards, and other billers that describe their privacy policies and YOUR “opt-out” options. These institutions are only required to notify you annually — so watch for that “privacy notice” or “our privacy policy” information and follow the “opt-out” policy EXACTLY to purge your information from their mailing list partners.

JUST DO IT — OPT-OUT!