Say "NO" to Information

Some businesses, most notably local telephone dialtone providers (Baby Bells) are required to request permission to access or "review" account information. As nearly as I can determine, this is solely for the purpose of marketing and compiling marketing databases. This is not to access information to respond to your call concerning the account.

The correct answer is "no".

This is no different from any other marketing question ("NO") except they have (once more) convinced their employees to lie to the customers.

I have not been able to get a straight answer as to what the information is used for from people selling ancillary services (e.g., DSL), where account information is never accessed. The answer is here (47 CFR § 222 - "Privacy of customer information").

They sometimes refer to a "legal requirement" but refuse to say why they need to ask about access in the first place. My best guess is they are trying to develop a "work around" for the "express consent" requirements of 47 CFR § 222. Hey guys, the "work around" is to let people know they can "opt- in" and leave it at that!

They do not need the information to provide information for the duration of the call. You can still authorise them to look at the account "for this purpose only." But don't expect them to need the information because they already have it!

(If asked about quality of customer service, don't forget to state that you object to the ambiguous information about "permission to access the account" options.)

This is being tested heavily. I expect that the "May I have permission" request will be used for bypassing a number of "opt- in" marketing requirements.

Expect to be asked for permission for access to "account information" for other marketing-related purposes. With increased "click to accept" tactics, expect to have to send separate Privacy Request Letter for all subscribed telecommunications carriers.

Tell the person to whom you are talking you wouldn't mind them providing the real reason for any requests for information.

back to Counter-Telemarketing Tactics - (this site)

site first posted November 3, 1996
rev October 30, 1997 copyright 1996, Stan Protigal
This website can be found by searching for "The Telemarketing Scum Page" on a search engine.

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