We live in a data-protection-conscious society. Everyone wants your information to be entered into their database to make things easy in the future, Easy for who though, remember they have some of your information even though they have just an email address. Let’s look at a few things we can protect ourselves from data harvesting companies.
Ever noticed more these days companies want your details before you even get any information about their services or products? Postcode, please???? Have you shopped with us before???? All I want is some info about your products and services you may say. We need a few details first. No, they don’t. They cannot afford to lose trade, but the policy is to fill the database for future use. Firstly, it’s wise to read the privacy policy to check where their information is going. It could be sold to marketing companies etc for them to use or sell again which in turn causes you harassment with unwanted emails ETC. On a simpler note, why does someone have to know all your details to tell you about their services or products? Price comparison websites can be a nightmare for this. Just watch out for what info you are providing to them. No win no fee sites can be among the worst culprits. You call, to ask a question a secretary who says, let me take some details, and after you give your life, they say no we don’t cover that. We would not mind but most of the secretaries have no formal education in the first place. It would be nice if the secretaries had a minimum of an LLB from UNI. Lawyers make enough money to hire graduates to answer law calls. Here is an example of a typical form at Get TheMusicLicence – PPL PRS – TheMusicLicence . This is an example, not an accusation. Look what you give away here, Name, email, company, job title ETC and more. Too much info, so think on.
This is not a hard article to finish just follow the rules. So, this goes for phone calls, online forms, online inquiries, FAX, and mobile calls. If you call someone who wants your info before answering your question, go elsewhere. It is simple but have a backup plan. Get another scrap email address somewhere with a stupid name. This email will only be checked when you need something from it. This second email is protecting your important personal email address. Everyone should have a second email address. To protect your mobile number, get a free number redirection company to give you a number that redirects to your mobile number.
JUST protect your identity, and don’t give anything unless necessary. Banks and utility companies usually are ok but a small website with no privacy policy is a no-no. Sites change their privacy policies often so be aware of that if they hold info on you.
