Ameritech criticized for "opt-out" policy-Truth!

Michigan Attorney General Issues Warning about Ameritech Opt-Out Notice to Customers-Truth!

Summary of eRumor:
The message says that Jennifer Grandholm appeared on the news to say that Ameritech intends to sell your account information unless you let them know by the end of the month that you don't want them to. It then gives a phone number to call and says that Jennifer Grandholm is upset about the way this is being "covered up" by Ameritech.

The Truth:
Jennifer Granholm [correct spelling] is the Attorney General for the state of Michigan. She urged residents to pay close attention to a notice that was
being included in phone bills to Ameritech customers in January, 2002. It was an "opt-out" notice that consumers needed to respond to within 30 days if they did not want their account information shared with other companies within the SBC group, of which Ameritech is a part. According to Detroit.com, Granholm felt the notices were not clear and may not have been seen or understood by many customers. She also objects to the the fact that a company can give customers' information unless the customer tells them not to. Granholm is one of a group of Attorneys General who complained to the Federal Communications Commission about the opt-out notices being sent out by phone companies, saying that they are ineffective.

The notices were sent to customers in other states, not just Michigan.

A spokesperson for Ameritech told the Chicago Tribune (1/21/02) that none of the information was ever going to be shared outside the SBC, its agents or
affiliates.

The year 2002 has been the "opt-out" year with several industries being required to give customers the opportunity to decline having their personal information shared or sold to other companies.

Last updated 3/14/02

A real example of the story as it has been circulated:

02/15/02
Subject: SBC Ameritech
10:58 AM

In case you missed this on the news last night, Jennifer Grandholm was on telling everyone that in small print on your Ameritech phone bill this month is a message telling you that Ameritech (SBC) intends to sell your account information unless you notify them by the end of the month that you do not want them to make it available. The phone number is (800)303-7260

to select that you do not want your account information made available to others. ( all you need is your phone # ) Jennifer (our Attorney General) recommends that you call and notify them that you do not want it made available. She is upset about the way SBC is covering this up. The call takes
less than a minute.

This is just another way for SBC to make money while making us pay more for our bills. Just an FYI!

Please send this to anyone you know!!!!