NEWS EXCERPT: Keep Personal Data Personal

By Teh Tai Yong
The Star/VIEWS
October 2009

A few days ago, I received this text message," Credit card debts restructuring reduced to 7% per annum; 100 % approved or cash-out. 12 banks available. Direct installment to bank, easy payment 24-36 months. More info, call me. Jane".

I do have friends named Jane. But this Jane was not registered among my phone contacts. Curious, I called Jabe who introduced herself as from OTS Company based in Subang. She claimed that her company had wide contacts with as many as 12 banks and could "help" me get out of credit card debt problem by restructuring the debt through an affordable financial package.

I was most puzzled with what Jane said as , firstly, I do not have a credit card problem, and my second and main problem is how did Jane have my personal information. When questioned, Jane said she did not know the source of her "list of customers" data, which she was given each day; she was just doing her job calling the names on the list."

As such, who then is feeding the company with the personal information, which appears to be supplied on a regular basis? I am certain that this scenario is not new to many of us...

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