FTC: Consumer Privacy Comments Concerning EX Fed Investigative Services, Inc.--P974806 EX FED INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES, INC. July 13, 1997 Mr. Robert Pitofsky, Chairman, Federal Trade
Commission Re: Support of Self Regulation Dear Mr. Chairman In response to the Commission's request for additional comments following the hearings held June 10, 1997, I, as a licensed private investigator, am a regular user of public and non-public records, such as credit headers, and support the proposition of self regulation. The data we regularly access and use in our reports to clients has a beneficial use and need in society. It is important that a free flow of information be available to support commerce and our judicial system. It also allows the public, who does not have the resources to manage all of the problems they are faced with, to defend itself without looking to government for help. Further, regulation would create additional barriers to uses that today save lives, prevent fraud and bring families together. I am required to keep information confidential and maintain a high degree of accuracy in reports due to law and the test of courts and marketplace. To have the targets of investigations able to browse around in my inquiries and data, or opt out of databases that are private and public would be the death of our industry and freedom. The prevention of wrongdoing and fraud are the real tests of the use of data. Privacy protection can be managed through our industry's self-regulation of uses and distribution. Our industry has stated a willingness and desire to self-regulate. This industry must have the opportunity to self-regulate and welcomes the government's help in enforcing the rules through our efforts and the industry's associations. I ask that you support self-regulation and work with the industry to successfully bring about policies and procedures that we can all five with in a free society.
As a certified fraud examiner, private investigator, and retired federal agent, I am stunned to hear what sounds like government consideration of giving the crooks the upper hand. As I am preparing this letter there is a program on the television about lottery scams emanating from Canada. It would appear that our U.S. elderly population is the primary target of these rip-off artists, and that law enforcement officers in both countries are unable to address the problem. Given the failure of government to address such problems, victims turn to the private sector. I am unaware of any steps being taken by the federal government to protect our citizens from these lottery predators, but I hope something is being done to protect this segment of our society which genuinely could use a little help from Washington. Sincerely, John E. FeigheryJohn E. Feighery copy: The Honorable Sylvestre Reyes 6112 N. MESA ST. NUMBER 118, EL PASO, TEXAS 79912 TELEPHONE 915 591 5550 FACSIMILE 915 581 6662 |