How-to: Opt-out of Verizon 'sharing' your information

I think I am going to try to do this!

Okay, seriously, you guys are not getting this.

When you apply for service with Verizon Wireless, you agree to let them check your credit. That means that the first thing that happens before you can even get service is that ANOTHER COMPANY (Equifax, Experian or TransUnion) SHARES YOUR INFORMATION with Verizon. This kind of information sharing happens all the time in providing services to you, and is not evil or harmful in and of itself.

What you should be concerned about is whether Verizon Wireless sells your information to other parties that have no relationship with delivering services to you (which they don't) and whether Verizon Wireless has put adequate protections in place to make sure your information cannot be stolen by parties that have no business getting access to it (which they do).

You can read the entire details of Verizon Wireless' stance here: www22 dot verizon dot com/about/privacy/policy/

But here's the pertinent points:

Except as explained in this privacy policy or in agreements with our customers, Verizon does not sell, license or share information that individually identifies our customers, people using our networks, or Web site visitors with others outside the Verizon family of companies for non-Verizon purposes without your consent.

If you purchase services offered jointly by Verizon and one of our partners, customer information may be received by both Verizon and our partner that is providing your service.

It's good if you are worried about protecting your personal information, with the increasing threat of Identiy Theft these days. But you are much more likely to run into problems because of banking at an ATM or sharing your email address with an unscrupulous website than because Verizon Wireless has some of your personal details.

You can get some helpful pointers on how to protect yourself from identity theft at www dot identitytheft dot org/protect.htm

Thanks for this.

Oh thank you!

Thanks

hmm i wonder why they would share it anyway

Not to bring back an old thread, but I never saw this post...so I'm going to reply.

Verizon Wireless has exclusively provided me with an idea of what information they send to other companies. Please note that they made it very clear that NO PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION IS SHARED. They also do not share the phone numbers you dial, but rather they share the amount of minutes you use. They share whether you use more IN calling or OFF NETWORK. They share if you use more nights & weekend minutes or peak. They share the same information about texting. They share how much data you use and when you use it...but NOT the websites you visit (as Verizon doesn't track this info itself, at all). They actually share this information to provide better services to the customers. Usually the info is provided to research departments, which then determine whether it is necessary to build another cell site or something. Remember, it is a third party company that maintains most of Verizon's towers.

Originally Posted by the2ndflood

I always remove myself from these sharing lists. It's crazy how many companies will sell, or just give your info away. When you watch TV with Tivo; they sell that info to marketers. When you visit web sites through your ISP; they sell that info. When you send email; those companies sell your info. We really don't have any privacy anymore. And with Verizon; I wonder how much info they give away? Do they monitor what web sites we visit; what videos we stream; what calls we make?

Unless I'm getting something in return, then I don't want my info given away.

Thanks, I think this thread should remain here in perpituity due to the ever increasing importance of privacy. Thanks!

Thanks this helped ALOT