FTC: Consumer Privacy Comments Concerning Scott I. Ross--P974806 SCOTT I. ROSS Private Investigations
June 28, 1997 Secretary, Federal Trade Commission Re: Support of Self Regulation Dear Mr. Secretary; In response to the Commissions request for additional comments following the hearing of June 10, 1997, I, as a licensed private investigator for seventeen years, am a regular user of public and non- public records, (such as credit headers) and support the proposition of self regulation. The information and data that our industry regularly access and use in our reports have significant benefits and are a necessity in our legal system and in our society. Through the use of these systems, I have been able to locate heirs to estates; reunite adopted families; fulfill court requirements to a "diligent search" allowing the furtherance of civil actions. At no time has this information been abused or used for anything other than stated. It is imperative that we have access to this type of information to support our legal and judicial system. Over the years, too many once accessible areas have been taken away and our industry is continuing to suffer. Voters registration information was at one time legal to access. This was taken although still is a requirement to prove due diligence when filing declarations with the courts. Taking these "credit headers” away will cause further complications, and only add unnecessary expenditures to clients for a simple task. There is a reason that being a private investigator requires a license. This is a position of responsibility not to be taken lightly, and that a self regulation system of use and distribution will maintain the integrity beneficial to the public and this industry. I ask at this time, that you support self regulation and work with the industry to initiate policies and procedures that will allow us to maintain our livelihood. Thank You Scott I. RossScott I. Ross |