The other day, I came home to a message on our answering machine from a man
who called me by name and said it was urgent that I return his call, because
he was on a "deadline" and "didn't have much time to wait." He didn't give
the name of his company.

I called the 800 number and extension he left, only to get his voicemail
requesting that I leave my name, phone number and Social Security number.
Out of curiosity, I called the main number without the extension, and got
another voicemail identifying the company as Allied International Credit -
once again asking for my Social Security number.

Of course, I didn't give them what they asked for. Instead, I went straight
to the FTC complaint bureau, who took down the info. Unfortunately, they
can't investigate individual cases, but if a number of complaints arise
about this company, they'll take steps to close it down.

I know you're all smart enough not to give out such vital information as
your Social Security number to total strangers over the phone (especially to
an answering machine), but I just wanted to make you aware of these crooks
just in case you happen to be on their calling list. If you get a call from
them, make a report to the FTC.

And don't forget that you can register online to be put on the telemarketer
Do Not Call list. It won't totally eliminate those pesky calls (for
instance, your bank can still call with legit offers), but it should help
cut down on dinner interruptions.

David Aborn
Dept. of Biological and environmental Sciences
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