“we need to get Marcia Coakley to help him to do that.” – Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) January 17, 2010

The Kennedy’s are really aware of what is happening in Massachusetts.

1. Why doesn’t AT&T verify email addresses it sends emails to?
2. Why does AT&T not provide a link in the emails it sends out to allow “good samaritans” to report that AT&T is sending someone else’s records to them?
3. Why don’t AT&T customer service representatives take calls letting them know that they are sending information to the wrong addresses?
4. Why do AT&T representatives state that they do not care whether AT&T emails are republished?

Specifically, as recounted previously AT&T has sent us information for various AT&T customers and each time has been rude and unhelpful when we go to report them.

January 20, 2010: AT&T did not respond for comments on its privacy policy, but did ask for a copy of the most recent email regarding Mordecai Alpert’s account.  On a humorous note, AT&T did BEGIN sending us account statements for Richard Schweitzer, without any means of reporting it, so, Mr Richard Schweitzer, you can get your account information on-line:

AMEX (Middle East) B.S.C. (c) Settlement Advice Establishment Services P. O. Box 5990 Manama, Bahrain Page 1 of 1 (+973) 17 557799 Service Establishment No Reference Number 9740108691 7635901834 Settlement Date PALM BEACH SAL 29/12/2009 PALM BEACH BLDG Settlement Amount MINET EL HOSN ST. USD 3,977.00 CR AIN EL MERISSEH Discount Rate LEBANON 3.00% LEBANON THANK YOU FOR ACCEPTING THE AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD AT YOUR ESTABLISHMENT. Amex Submission Processed Discount Net Ref. Number Capture Date Amount Amount Amount Amount 9740108691 PALM BEACH LEBANON LEBANON Submission 358001 25/12/2009 576.00 576.00 -17.28 558.72 CR 902844 25/12/2009 3524.00 3524.00 -105.72 3418.28 CR Branch Total 3,977.00 CR Total USD 3,977.00 CR

Humorously enough BarclayCardus.com has this message on it today:

“At Barclaycard, we never stop envisioning new ways to help our partners cultivate customer loyalty.”

We don’t suppose that includes protecting AirTran’s customers privacy.

This is the email they sent:

Dear BURTON,

Welcome! You’ve been approved for the AirTran Airways A+ Visa Signature card, brought to you by Barclays.

Use your AirTran Airways A+ Visa Signature card to earn points* toward travel on AirTran Airways. Earn one AirTran Credit for every 1,000 points. Soon you’ll be flying for free by earning:

Bonus Credits when you use your card**
Points toward travel with every purchase you make
Double points on your AirTran Airways travel purchases
In the next few days, we’ll be sending you everything you need to start using your AirTran Airways A+ Visa Signature card. In the meantime, please register online at www.BarclaycardUS.com. Once you’ve set up your username and password, simply log in to:

View your account balance and transaction summary
Check the status of any balance transfer(s) you may have requested or submit a new balance transfer after you have received and activated your card
If you have any questions regarding your AirTran Airways A+ Visa Signature card, please visit www.BarclaycardUS.com to send us a secure email. Or, visit www.airtran.com to purchase tickets, redeem Credits or sign-up to receive AirTran Airways Net Escapes airfare offers via email.

Thanks for choosing the AirTran Airways A+ Visa Signature card.
Chris Reitnour
Director, Marketing
Barclays

You received this email because you have been approved for the AirTran Airways A+ Visa Signature card.

We’re happy to send you occasional emails about Barclays features and benefits, but if you’d prefer not to receive them, please login to www.BarclaycardUS.com and select ALERTS/PROFILE. From the PROFILE screen you can update your PRIVACY OPTIONS. You will continue to receive any Account Alerts that have been set up and any email updates about your account.

* The AirTran Airways A+ Visa Signature card program is sponsored by AirTran Airways.
** Points will be credited to your account at the close of your first billing cycle after use of the AirTran Airways A+ Visa Signature account. Your annual fee must be paid and your account must be in good standing in order to earn points.

Please Do Not Reply to this Email
This is a notification-only email that cannot accept incoming replies. To send us an email, simply log in to www.BarclaycardUS.com, click on CUSTOMER SERVICE and then select EMAIL to send your message securely.

The AirTran Airways A+ Visa Signature card is issued by Barclays Bank Delaware, Attn: Gates – IS, 100 S. West Street, Wilmington, DE 19801, Member FDIC.

BRD-EM-14466051

Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2009/12/18/maria-shriver-parking-ticket-arnold-schwarzenegger-california-suv-driving-meter/#comments#ixzz0a6HEQUNZ

There are two types of leaders in this world. Those who lead by  incentive, and those who lead by force. Those who lead by incentive will offer you a salary to come and work for them, those who lead by force will throw you in jail if you do not pick up a gun and fight for them.
Stefan Molineux

Dear Merchant Partner,

Please find attached your latest Settlement and Payment Advice Report for SE No: 9740108691.

Should you have any queries, please contact us in Bahrain on (+973) 17 557799.

Regards,

Establishment Services Operations
AMEX (Middle East) B.S.C. (c)
P. O. Box 5990
Manama, Bahrain

“If you have something that you don’t want anyone to know, maybe you shouldn’t be doing it in the first place.” – Google CEO, Eric Schmidt, to CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo, December 7, 2009.

Google’s New Privacy Policy:

At Google, we are keenly aware of the trust you place in us and our responsibility to protect your privacy IF you have nothing to hide.  Otherwise, too bad, use Bing.

I guess Schmidt won’t mind:

1. Cameras stationed outside his house.

2. Providing his credit card statements to the public.

3. Responding to ValleyWag and others who reported on his many girlfriends, despite being married.

4. Publishing his health records.

5. Publishing his tax returns.

If Google’s Schmidt does not immediately publish those records, it is obvious he has something to hide.

It is the height of stupidity to say that everyone’s private life should be open to the public view.  Just because you don’t share your credit card statements doesn’t mean you are doing something wrong.