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April 28, 2003
Papa Don't Panic
My father has recently discovered the joys of the information superhighway. Unfortunately that means he has also fallen prey to that weird subculture of the world wide web...the urban e-legend. He sent me a blanket forward that included this:
FW: YOUR CREDIT REPORT GOES PUBLIC IN JULY! REMOVE YOUR NAME ASAP !
Your Credit: Personal Information goes public Starting July 1st, 2003, the four major credit bureaus in the US (Equifax, etc.) will be allowed to release credit info, mailing addresses, phone numbers, etc., to ANYONE who requests it. If you do not want to be included in this release of your personal information, you can call 1-888-567-8688.
Once the message starts you will want option #2 (even though option #1 refers to this email, push #2) and then option #3. Be sure to listen closely, the first option is only for a two year period. Make sure you wait until they prompt for the third option, which opts you out FOREVER. You should receive their paperwork in the mail confirming the "opting out" in less than one week after making the call. PASS THIS MESSAGE ON TO ALL IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK, FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
Now, there are elements of truth to this email. But a quick search on Urban Legend Zeitgeist showed this email is indeed a hoax.
I love sights like Urban Legend Zeitgeist. The amount of junk one gets via the internet increases exponentially day to day. It's great to have one of those places to keep everybody cool, calm and collected the next time someone gets an email promising impending doom if they don't harass all of their friends and family.
I love my Dad too. And honestly I am so excited that my father has finally embraced the 21st century, I don't mind a little spam....from him. It's kind of cute actually. I'm like the papa in this instance comforting in a condescending yet paternal way, "No daughter, it's not the bogey man. It's the idiot neighbor across the street throwing a rock through our window."
"Dad, it's just a prank. Nobody is going to steal your identity. Go back to sleep."
Posted by mermu at April 28, 2003 09:44 PM
Comments
www.snopes.com is good, too.
Posted by: at April 29, 2003 04:54 PM
I've definitely received and believed my share of them as well. I bet a minimum of three replies came my way telling me to check out the hoax at www.urbanlegends.com. How embarrassing to have that happen more than once!
Posted by: Theresa at April 29, 2003 08:31 AM
Give Benny a break - every www newcomer gets to have one internet panic message while they are learning the www ropes.
Posted by: Cynthia at April 29, 2003 08:10 AM
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