Life Event: Protect Your Privacy

Most people value their privacy. Houses have curtains, locks, and it's a federal crime to open someone else's mail. It's not just a matter of emotional comfort or modesty either. Privacy can also be a security issue. We keep our passwords private, our social security numbers secret, and don't hold sensitive conversations on speakerphones. However, the internet and social media opened up the floodgages of information that you believed was private to just about anyone. 

Your Privacy Rights

• Your state's Consumer Protection Office can offer can answer your questions about protecting your privacy.
• Your medical information and conversations can be reported to your insurance company and your employer.
• Strict regulations guard the privacy in the adoption process.
• Know how laws about school records affect your children.
• You have the right to privacy in your rental.
• Get your permission to photograph or record you.

Employment Privacy

• Privacy in the Workplace FAQs
• Which questions employers can and can't legally ask you.
• Which medical and drug screenings are permissible when applying for a job?
• Understand your rights when agreeing to a background check.

Internet Privacy

• Understand how the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 guards children under 13.
• How to disable cookies on your computer that track your online activity.
• Protect your credit cards and personal information when shopping online.
• Understand the risks of posting private information on social media sites.

Telemarketing and Collection Practices

• Stop unsolicited marketing calls the right way.
• Put your name on the state and federal do not call lists every few years or if your phone number changes.
• It's a violation of the Fair Debt Collection Act if debt collectors harass you. 

Government and Public Records Privacy

• Do not give out your social security number.
• Understand the Privacy Act of 1974.