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#does ftc apply here?? nobody knows what it is
acespace-spaceplace · 12 days
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þe bugs under þe rock when i lift it up
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healthmxkf655-blog · 4 years
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maritzaerwin · 4 years
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How to Tackle Identity Theft as a Remote Worker
There are more and more remote workers in the modern age. Companies are realizing how effective it can be to have their staff based at home and opening up the possibilities of employing people without having to worry too much about where they are based. 
One issue that a lot of people ignore, but one that is still utterly vital, is identity theft. A number of people simply don’t realize how much of a threat this can be to their life and the problems it can cause. As a remote worker, you might have to consider both your own personal information and that of the company you work for.
In this guide, we’re providing some of the information you need to ensure you are preventing and tackling ID theft. We also show you what steps you can take if you are unfortunate enough to fall foul of online fraudsters.
What is Online Identity Theft?
Identity theft is nothing new. People have been stealing identification via Social Security numbers and other details for a long time, usually by stealing wallets, but historically some people would go through mail to find details for identity theft.
In the modern age of the internet, it is easier for people to find personally identifiable information. This is sometimes abbreviated to “PII”. This allows people to commit fraud and pretend to be you. They can sometimes steal money directly in this way, but they can also do things to impact upon your reputation or, in the case of employees they might be able to gain access to company servers or more.
Remote workers need to think about the impact of their identity being stolen, access to their online accounts, and more, but if you don’t take the right precautions you can even be responsible for issues regarding your work details. 
Identity theft used to require physical documents to commit this kind of fraud, but now, things have changed. Details can be stolen in a number of ways and networks and websites can be hacked to allow fraudsters to find PII.
How Serious is Identity Theft?
It’s easy to think that identity theft isn’t too much of a big deal or assume that nobody could impersonate you so there’s nothing to worry about. Actually, once they have your details people can take advantage in a lot of different ways. 
Identity theft crime statistics are scary. 16.7 million people in America suffered some form of identity theft in the year 2017. That figure is continuing to grow. Billions of dollars are stolen every year using identity theft methods. 
If you find yourself the victim of identity theft it might be impossible to recover all of the assets you have lost or the damage to your reputation or the company you work for. This means that identity theft is a huge issue that can impact years of your life.
Also, people can commit crimes and run up debts in your name. This can leave you facing a legal battle in the future, too. Make no mistake about it, identity theft is incredibly rife and can make an impact for a number of years in the future.
This is not something you will necessarily have out of the way in a matter of weeks. Even if you contact the authorities and explain that you have been the victim of identity theft, the onus might be on you to prove this. 
Cybercrime is on the rise. 3.2 million identity theft, cybercrime, and other forms of fraud were reported in 2019. As you can see from this article, almost half of the time when people stole someone’s identity, they applied for a credit card. This debt doesn’t automatically get written off. You will need to prove that you were a victim of fraud and take action if this happens to you. Until then the debts could be in your name.
How Does Identity Theft Happen?
It is easy to assume that you have done the right things and won’t be a victim. Just changing your password from time to time isn’t necessarily enough. There are lots of ways in which people can steal your ID details online.
Phishing is still popular, even though most people know to be very careful with emails. Phishing can be a big issue for remote workers who might get targeted when people want to gain access to company information. Never go to your bank’s site via a link, as it could be fake. The government has provided advice on avoiding phishing scams here.
Pharming is another sophisticated way for cybercriminals to steal your personal information. This is when a criminal might have got a virus into your browser allowing them to redirect you to a fake site, but one that actually looks trustworthy. This is where you’ll be asked to input details.
Weak passwords or using the same password for everything is always a risk. If you can, opt to use multi-factor authentication, where you use your smart device as well as your password to prove you are who you say you are.
Malware and other viruses or software that can attack your PC. This will potentially allow a hacker or fraudster to gain control and to see your details. You will probably want to keep your operating system updated and you will definitely want to get some sort of virus protection. Working for a company means that if you have a work computer, you should already have this in place.
Fraudulent or unsecured sites. Websites that don’t provide you with proof of who they are can hurt you. Look for the padlock sign in your browser which shows that a site has a security certificate. 
Old devices you have got rid of can also be used against you in this regard. Some criminals can find your old data just by going through a discarded laptop, for example.
“Over The Shoulder” techniques. Someone can watch your input data. It’s as simple as that. If you are in a co-working space, for instance, you might be targeted by someone looking to steal your data.
You need to have your guard up. Identity theft is becoming more sophisticated and people will always look for new ways to get your personal information. For a criminal, it can be very lucrative.
What Happens When Your Identity is Stolen?
Identity theft can lead to your data being sold. People sell it on the dark web, and this means that people all over the world could be using your data to borrow money, make applications, and even commit other crimes.
Generally, most of the consequences that happen after your identity is stolen have some sort of financial gain for the criminal. As a remote worker, it could be that someone is looking to steal your data to gain access to the company you work for. Organizations need to be especially careful. As an employee, this doesn’t fall solely on you, but it is important that you consider the best practices for keeping data safe.
How to Prevent Identity Theft
If you’ve found this article in advance of having to deal with the consequences of identity theft then there is still a lot you can do to hopefully ensure you never have to deal with it happening to you.
If you are working for a large company or your data is particularly sensitive, it makes sense to outsource all of your online security. There are organizations that know exactly how to keep your ID safe and secure and can help both individuals and organizations, even large organizations might find that they are lacking in precautions.
The best thing to do for peace of mind is to work with the professionals and make sure that identity theft doesn’t become a big hassle for you in the future.
Now, this might be a different story for business owners who work remotely. Many remote business owners get targeted for online identity theft. This can prove deadly for the business; many businesses fail right after they get their online security breaches.
It is essential for every company on the internet to implement security measures for it to succeed. This could be achieved either by outsourcing your identity security or, you can do it yourself. Even though it is advised to leave it to the professionals, you can still tackle this problem and be safe on the internet:
The most important thing you should do is doing your research thoroughly regarding this issue. It is essential because it not only involves buying software or implementing new technology. It also requires education and hours of reading and watching videos. Hence, it is more complicated than you think. You may find more information here.
Source – DepostiPhotos.com
There are some basic things you can do:
Change passwords regularly and generate them rather than just use your cat’s name! People will find a way to get through basic and simple passwords so they should use a lot of different characters. 
Never automatically trust a link that is sent to you. Check if the website is secure and don’t put any details in on a site that you have even one doubt about. Things like online banking are prime examples. Always visit their sites through your browser rather than just clicking on a link in an email. This is prime for someone to take advantage of phishing.
Have a high-quality anti-virus on your computer. If you are running a big company then you should definitely ensure you have access to this for all of your staff.
Don’t mix work and personal life. A working computer should be for work and your personal devices should be for your own accounts on things. If you log into work emails on a laptop that is yours, and you don’t take the right precautions, you could be accountable if anything happens.
How to Tackle Identity Theft When it Happens
If the worst does happen and you find yourself a victim of identity theft, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to try and minimize the damage. 
If you want to, you can contact the specialists. Again, there are specific companies who can deal with identity theft and help you to ensure that you deal with everything in the correct manner, rather than making mistakes along the way.
You should look to get a fraud alert put on your credit report, this can limit the damage of any credit taken out fraudulently in your name.
Report to the FTC. This is one of the first steps you can take. There is a simple form that you can fill in on an FTC site, IdentityTheft.gov or you can call to speak to a member of staff. Try to gain as much evidence as you can when you are talking to them, ready to show exactly what is happening to your accounts.
Go to your local police. Different police forces deal with the issues in different ways and the location where the offense happened might play a part, but authorities should be alerted straight away.
Freeze credit cards and bank accounts. Stop anything negative from happening while you wait to establish what steps you are going to take. Freezing lines of credit can allow you to ensure that you do not run up further debts without spending anything! Your credit card might be being used on the other side of the world.
Change all of your passwords. One breach is enough to ensure that you should get new passwords for every account you have including social media.
Alert your work if using a work laptop or if the ID theft is in any way linked. If you fear that these details could lead to issues for your workplace then there is no way you should keep it from them. 
If you need to, you can still contact specialists in identity theft who can walk you through all of the steps required to try to get your life back on track.
Conclusion
There is no denying that identity theft can have a huge negative impact on your life, and even on those close to you. If it isn’t properly dealt with then it could keep having an effect decades into the future.
If you haven’t suffered from ID theft yet then you can take steps to ensure your security. If you are working with a company and are worried about their data then this is another reason to take security seriously. Just a few simple precautions can make all the difference, and you need to know what techniques and tactics current fraudsters are using to try and steal your information.
The post How to Tackle Identity Theft as a Remote Worker appeared first on CareerMetis.com.
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ramialkarmi · 6 years
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Lawmakers are asking DNA-testing companies about their privacy policies — here's what you should know when taking genetics tests like 23andMe or AncestryDNA
Taking a DNA test to learn about your ancestry or health can be fun, but it requires the transfer of sensitive information: your genetic data. 
When sending in your DNA sample, it's important to get a clear picture of who owns that information and who will be able to see it. 
Before taking any test, always read the terms of service. 
DNA tests can tell you where your family is from and what health conditions you might be predisposed to get. 
They've gained significant popularity in recent years — over Thanksgiving weekend last year alone, shoppers bought 1.5 million AncestryDNA kits. 
But the rise of consumer genetics tests has brought up a number of privacy concerns, since they deal with information that's fundamental and unique to every individual. And there have been cases like the arrest of the Golden State Killer that used information from one of these databases to crack the case. It poses the question: When you spit into a tube and submit your sample for one of these reports, who has access to that information and who ultimately owns your DNA?
Two lawmakers — US Representatives Frank Pallone Jr. of New Jersey and Dave Loesback of Iowa — are now pressing DNA testing companies for more information about their security and privacy policies, Stat News reports. The hope is to resolve any issues around security and privacy. 
Late in 2017, Senator Chuck Schumer also raised the issue, calling on the Federal Trade Commission to "take a serious look at this relatively new kind of service and ensure that these companies can have clear, fair privacy policies."
In a blog post published December 12, the FTC recommended reading the fine print. "If you’re thinking about buying an at-home DNA test kit, you owe it to yourself – and to family members who could be affected – to investigate the options thoroughly," it says.
James Hazel, a post-doctoral research fellow at Vanderbilt University's Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, has been looking into the privacy policies of consumer genetics tests. He said the FTC's suggestion is very important. 
"We are good at clicking 'agree' and not reading the terms of service," he said.
When it comes to DNA tests, a lot of pertinent information hides in that fine print, including language about who owns your DNA, where your genetic information is going, and what the process of deleting your information from a database entails. 
I've tried ancestry tests from from 23andMe, Ancestry, and National Geographic (a test run through the Helix DNA test platform), so I checked in with all of them to see how they stack up in terms of privacy. 
Who owns your DNA?
For starters, there's the question of who "owns" your DNA after you send in a spit sample. The 3 billion genetic building blocks, or base pairs, are what makes us who we are. 
"You’re granting us the rights to share information, but fundamentally you own your data," Elissa Levin, Helix's director of policy, told Business Insider. 
23andMe and Ancestry said the same thing — although the companies need some rights in order to analyze your sample and send results back, they don't have total ownership. They can't, say, bar you from taking another DNA test in the future. 
"We believe that you own your data," 23andMe privacy officer Kate Black told Business Insider. "So whoever's data this is is ultimately the owner of that information. However, we do need certain rights and privileges to process their sample and provide them with our services."
From there, it's a matter of how far those rights go.
Who gets to see your de-identified information? 
When providing a spit sample for a genetics test, your information can either be identified — that is, linked to your name — or de-identified. It's most common for the sample of spit you submit to be processed without your name on it.
While reading through your test's privacy policy, note who has access to both kinds of information. Based on the three companies I spoke with, the de-identified information mainly stays that way (you're assigned an identification number that only the companies can pair with your account).
In many cases, an external lab might be involved in sequencing the genetic data to pass back to the company. For example, 23andMe works with contracted labs in North Carolina and California. 
"The lab has some access but they don’t know who it relates to," Eric Heath, Ancestry's chief privacy officer, told Business Insider. 
Helix does the sequencing in its own lab, then sends some of that information to its test partners, such as National Geographic. Helix is trying to be like the "app store" for genetics, allowing you to submit your spit to them once, then use the sample for multiple tests based on what type of analysis interests you.  
"The information we share with them is only the relevant piece," Levin said. "For some partners it might be a few markers or it could be hundreds of genes." 
But there's a key caveat to keep in mind: Because your DNA is unique to you, it's can't be totally de-identified. 
"DNA is so unique, and there are so many data sources out there, that it is incredibly hard to fully anonymize — and more so to promise and provide any absolute guarantee that the data are anonymized," Laura Lyman Rodriguez, director of policy, communications, and education at the National Human Genome Research Institute, told the magazine Undark in 2016. 
How is the data that’s tied to your identifiable information used?
Your identifiable information includes any self-reported data and your name. 
With 23andMe, Black said, nobody has access to both your email and genetic information — only one or the other. The system that combines the two pieces to give you a report is automated, she said. 
The same goes for Ancestry. Heath said the personal identification and genetic data are "not commingled until we provide you with your results." 
Helix leaves the genetic information de-identified, and it's up to the partners to recombine the analysis with the person who submitted a sample. Because each partner has their own privacy policies, it's important to read those as well. 
The three companies we spoke with all said they've created safeguards so that even if there's a security breach, your genetic information and names aren't connected.
Can you opt out of giving research partners your genetic data? 
Another privacy concern is the possibility that your DNA could get shared with other companies without your consent. 
23andMe and Ancestry both have research partnerships with pharmaceutical companies that explore things like the genetics of aging, psychiatric disorders, or lupus.
Both companies require you to consent to sharing your information if you want to participate in those programs. Unless you agree, your information will remain with just 23andMe or Ancestry (and the contractors they work with to do the test). The same goes for connecting you with potential family members. 
Helix does not currently have research partnerships. Levin said if that changes, there would be a voluntary process users could opt into as well.
How to wipe your information after taking a test
After you've gotten your results back, your genetic data lives on with the company you sent it to, and likely in the tube of spit you submitted. If you're not comfortable with that, the vast majority of your data can be stricken from databases and storage facilities.
Things get a bit trickier if you consented to share your information with third-party researchers. In that case, you can usually stop information from being used in new projects, but anything previously shared will still be out there. 
Before taking any of these tests, it's best to learn about the process of deleting an account, and find out whether your sample will be stored indefinitely. 
23andMe
When you register your test with 23andMe, you can opt to either have your sample stored or discarded after use.
To close your 23andMe account, search through the help center for a page titled "Requesting Account Closure." On that page are links to submit a request or email customer service ([email protected]). 
If you opt to have your spit sample stored but later change your mind, an option in the settings section of your report allows you to discard the sample.
  However, there are a few places your information may continue to live. Under the regulatory standards that apply to clinical labs, Black said, 23andMe has to retain the bare lab test result for 10 years.
Ancestry
Ancestry stores your spit sample so it can be used for quality purposes, such as making sure the lab is running as it's supposed to and the testing is accurate. That also allows the company to update your results if more accurate sequencing technology comes onto the scene. 
To delete your DNA results on Ancestry, go to the DNA section at the top of the page — your test settings include a way to delete your results.  If you want to remove your spit sample completely, you need to call Ancestry's member services. 
Helix
Helix also stores your spit sample. To get rid of that spit sample, you can fill out a request with customer services. Helix alludes to retaining data for regulatory purposes in its privacy section, however.
In the settings of your Helix account, there steps for how to close an account. Doing that would cut off the flow of data to Helix's partners, Levin said. 
"Even if you had previously consented to share info with National Geographic, closing would close out the data-stream," she said.
Read the full privacy documents
For more information, here are the privacy pages and terms of service documents for the three tests described above:
Helix's privacy center and terms of service.
23andMe's privacy center and terms of service.
Ancestry's privacy center and terms of service. 
This post was originally published in December 2017. 
SEE ALSO: I've taken AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and National Geographic genetics tests — here's how to choose one to try
DON'T MISS: How to delete your DNA data from genetics companies like 23andMe and Ancestry
Join the conversation about this story »
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Credit Repair Services and How They Can Help You
You have made some unwise monetary decisions, lost your job, or have had medical expenses. You were late with mortgage or mortgage funds and now your credit standing is dangerous. You wish to restore your credit, however what's the easiest way to do that? Can you do this on your own, or is a credit restore service a superb possibility?
A fast Internet seek for "credit repair service" yields 13 million results.
It is a massive enterprise! But what precisely does a credit restore service do? The claims can seem too good to be true. A credit score restore service typically asserts that if you happen to want good credit to buy a car or get a mortgage, the service has insider strategies for erasing low credit score. But the sales pitch is very rigorously worded. They say they may help resolve questionable items, or clear up inaccuracies, or eradicate pricey errors on your credit report. All at a low, affordable fee.
The Federal Commerce Commission
Fortunately, on the very top of your Internet search result's a web site you'll be able to belief: the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. about us The FTC is blunt: they say that it is best to save your cash as a result of most credit repair providers are scams.
Here is what the FTC says about anybody's capability to erase accurate and well timed information on your credit score report: "It is unlawful: Nobody can take away accurate unfavorable information from your credit score report".
The fact is that credit restore providers have no more legal rights or skills than you do. If you want to pay a hefty payment to have a service credit repair life reviews try to accomplish what you might do yourself, it is your alternative. However do not forget that credit repair services can't assure results.
What to Watch Out For
If you're contemplating a credit repair service, here is easy how to remove credit inquiries on your credit report methods to tell if the corporate behind it is a scam:
o You might be requested to pay upfront. Underneath the Federal Credit score Repair Organizations Act, credit restore firms cannot demand payment until they've performed the promised service.
o You're advised to dispute each item in your credit report no matter its accuracy.
o You are not informed that you might restore your credit score report your self without cost.
o The corporate asks you to apply for credit below a unique identity. This might be a felony!
o The company insists that you don't contact any of your collectors directly.
What Can Approved Credit Score how to remove inquiries from report You Do?
In the United States there are three main credit score bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. These three companies report on client credit to lenders. It's their studies and the underlying info that you could study and, if mandatory, restore.
In keeping with federal regulation, once a year you're entitled to request a free copy of your credit score report from each of the three agencies. In response to the U.S. Truthful Credit score Reporting Act (FCRA), you are additionally entitled to receive a replica of your report if a lender takes "adversarial" action towards you. To receive your reports, log onto annualcreditreport.com,
Examine the reviews carefully. In the event you see any misguided entries, or examples of excellent credit score that have been omitted, then you have to write a letter to the credit bureau. Clarify precisely what you suppose the error or omission is. Ship your letter by licensed Wikipdia Here mail, return receipt requested. Send a duplicate of your letter, together with copies of related receipts or statements (do not ship originals!), to the corporate that originally reported the transaction-a bank card company, your mortgage lender, or a retail retailer.
If you're eager about hiring a credit score restore service to scrub up your bad https://approvedcreditscore.com credit report report, you better take notes on the next particular report:
Credit Repair Providers are robbing unsuspecting shoppers blind with their shifty scams, false hopes and damaged promises.
The director of the Federal Trade Fee's Bureau of Consumer Protection warns residents in need of credit restore to be advised of quite a few credit restore service scams and schemes. He states that while "There are legit, credit repair choices out there, the FTC has by no means seen a reputable credit repair firm."
Don't be fooled by credit score restore companies that contact you with arduous-promote techniques, unbelievable promises and outlandish fees. There are several massive-time scams underway in the United States fooling consumers into paying large bucks to have their credit report cleared.
Be cautious of credit repair companies claiming that they're "in" with the credit bureaus, have some form of special association or know a secret tactic to make credit score reporting businesses delete weak credit reviews out of your file.
There isn't a such thing as an 'in" with the credit score bureaus, they have rules and regulations that they observe to the letter, it doesn't matter what credit score restore service you characterize. The credit score bureau may temporarily take away the debt in question from your file and place it on the disputed record, but when the bogus credit repair service would not observe up with the right procedures, the debt will return onto your credit score report. This momentary deletion out of your file is the so-referred to as 'clear credit report' the credit score repair service is promising.
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The third rip-off to look out for is for a price, the credit repair service promises to get you an entire new, clear credit file. The credit score service tells you to use for a brand new taxpayer id or Employer Identification Number, also called a EIN, to construct a brand new credit report. It is a felony and could land you and the credit restore service into serious hassle.
The explanation unsuspecting shoppers get taken by this rip-off is as a result of the credit repair service does not totally explain what they are being asked to do. Generally they do not even understand Approved Credit Score Social Profile that this isn't a authorized answer to their credit score restore issues. Be leery if any credit score restore service guarantees you a brand new credit file or fresh credit score history.
Be cautious of too good to be true guarantees and fast fixes, there are respected counseling companies that supply credit score restore applications, simply make certain you perform a little reference checking earlier than you signal on the dotted line.
The most effective credit score restore advice I can provide you is do not waste your treasured time and hard-earned money on a questionable credit restore service. Do a little research and learn how credit repair services dallas easy it's to repair your own credit score. A unfavorable credit ratings report can easily be challenged and resolved by abnormal folks like you and I by simply following easy paperwork procedures.
If you happen to're one of the thousands and thousands of individuals in America with dangerous or damaged credit score, do not despair. There are a number of issues you can do to improve your credit. For those who're looking for information about find out how to repair your credit and credit score restore companies, you've got come to the best place. On this article we'll discuss the definition of unfavorable credit ratings and the advantages of using credit restore providers. By the tip of this text it is best to have the ability to start repairing your credit at this time, whether you choose to take action on your own, or hire a professional service to help you.
What's Thought-about ApprovedCredit Score Bad Credit?
Most lenders outline very bad credit as any credit rating decrease than 620. After the subprime mortgage fiasco, some lenders are even elevating that bar to 640. In addition to your fee patterns and quantity of excellent debt, your time on the how to clean up your credit job and your time dwelling at your current tackle make up a portion of your creditworthiness. People who keep at the same employer and residence longer are considered more creditworthy than those who change jobs or transfer frequently.
In case you are desirous about improving your credit score, it's in your greatest interest to know what your credit score is, even if you are afraid to seek out out! Order a replica of your credit report and be sure to get reviews from all three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and Transunion. Some lenders use the top rating and some use a blended rating so it is very important know what is on every report. As soon as you realize where you stand you'll be able to begin the process of repairing your credit score.
Advantages of Credit Repair Companies
Credit repair providers might help in various methods. Lots of them offer packages that embrace obtaining your credit report, on the lookout for inaccuracies and contacting the reporting agencies on your behalf. The primary advantage of credit restore providers is that they save you effort and time. Most of what a credit score repair service can do, you can do for your self. However similar to many services, the benefit is in comfort and saving time. It is akin to repairing your personal automotive; it's technically attainable so that you can do it your self, however if you lack information and expertise in repairing vehicles, you would most likely save a variety of time and frustration by paying another person to do it for you.
There are credit score repair service corporations that do not supply a real value as a result of they use ineffective and/or outdated techniques. Among the massive and effectively-identified corporations are guilty of this. Be sure to examine the credit score restore service that you simply're considering and discover out precisely what they provide. Get all of their claims in writing and discover out what their refund coverage is. Do not pay any fees up front (with the exception of a one-time set-up payment), and when doubtful, stroll away.
Conclusion
Credit problems can be troublesome to deal with, but help is out there. Step one is figuring out your credit rating and looking at the contents of your credit score stories. Then decide if you want to tackle the duty of disputing adverse listings yourself, or if you wish to bring in a professional credit repair service to help. Credit restore services can Bonuses save you time and effort although they can not actually do something for you that you simply could not do for yourself. When purchasing for a credit restore service, be sure you investigate them thoroughly to guard your self from any scams. With the data in this article you have to be higher informed about the easiest way to restore your credit score.
The credit repairing companies are by far the very best providers you may financial institution on when looking to restore your credit within the shortest time doable. An excellent service provider is one that will assure you a credit repair that will mirror on the monthly credit score report. The credit score will certainly enhance through the use of the credit score repairing services. There are many tips offered by the businesses on how you can avoid decreasing the scores. With the help of those firms you can learn to rating factors as you cater to your everyday expenses. Some companies will, however, advertise their companies claiming to extend somebody's credit score in a few days solely, beware of such firms.
The credit score rating is the last word determiner of how the credit report will end up, so taking advantage of the companies of the credit score restore corporations needs to be thought-about. The companies provided that will benefit your credit score rating tremendously are many. One of these companies is that one of checking your credit score standing on a monthly basis. It is going to be wrong for someone to not keep observe of his or her credit score studies especially when repairing credit. The ideas by the businesses will go a long way in incomes you factors when you heed to them. The credit score repairing providers like administration of funds will assist in gaining more points in your credit score.
With the credit score repairing process it's vital to know that it's going to take fairly a while earlier than your credit score gets back to normal. Great scores are not simply provided totally free they're earned and what the crediting companies do is that they give you steerage on the best way to rating extra points. For those who had incurred unhealthy money owed previously the process will take several months or perhaps a 12 months. Individuals shouldn't ignore the obligations that come with credit, the companies are present to assist and they supply affordable companies. The repairing course of can be gradual but in the long run fruitful. With a good company your credit could start bettering at an amazingly excessive fee. Keeping observe of the credit score info is certainly essential.
Ultimate Tip: The first step to get your credit score report mounted and your scoring improved is getting a credit score report from one of many Best Credit Reporting Services [http://www.bestcreditreportservices.com] in the market. Primarily as a result of it will present your credit score scores and credit repair firms ask for it at all occasion, benefit from the free trial gives and cheaper prices offered, this permits you test it greater than annually your rating and credit score information. Once you get your credit report take your time to discover a reputable credit score repair company.
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toralmehta · 8 years
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There Are Ways To Save Money On Your Maintenance Expenses
Do The Pros Of Alternative Fuel Compensate For The Disadvantages?
Green living is all about modifying the environment for the better. One superb means of getting this done is by using alternative fuels. A lot of individuals are very much favor using alternative fuels and can give you multiple reasons why you should do the same. On the other hand, you can find lots of folks who will give you a variety of reasons why alternative fuels are a bad idea.
You’ll be hard pressed to negate the fact that alternative fuels are good for the environment as they burn much more cleanly than gasoline. There are numerous problems that result from a polluted environment, like global warming, and numerous health conditions, and confronted with these, individuals must make choices. Do we know who must decide what is best for our environment and will people do what should be done without legal requirements that they do so?
Each person who opts to drive a vehicle that runs on alternative fuel is helping to bring down the detrimental pollutants being released into the atmosphere. Another plus is that alternative fuel cars get much better gas mileage and several hybrid cars can actually increase the number of miles per gallon by 20%. For most people, this can make a big difference. As there are lots of reasons why people opt not to purchase alternative fuel automobiles, the government is offering tax incentives so that people will at least give these cars a try. The environment will profit from individuals driving these vehicles and the people themselves will be able to benefit from the tax benefits.
Even with saving money on their taxes, a few of the disadvantages of alternative fuel automobiles keep majority oof people from buying them. To start, even taking into consideration available tax incentives, these autos are quite costly. Enough more that lotts of folks are unable to afford them. One huge problem with alternative fuel vehicles is the lack of ready availability of many of these fuels. While E85 fuel, a mixture of ethanol and petrol, is not difficult to get, other alternative fuels may not be easily accessible. Even E85 fuel is not available in huge quantities and so people usually need to drive significant distances just to locate fuel for their automobiles.
There will be contentions for a long time on whether the advantages outweigh the downsides, or perhaps it is the other way around. The hidden cost of people’s health should be noted, but majority of individuals fail to think about whether pollutants cause damage to their health. Your concern for the earth will be the deciding factor in what side you are on. You will buy this type of autos if it really can make the earth cleaner.
Biodiesel Power Or Running Your Vehicle With Vegetable Oil
Because of the significant cost of gas people are looking for any source that is cheaper and that will work. Biodiesel power is an alternative energy source that interests most people. Strange as it may seem, biodiesel power runs your vehicle with vegetable oil. One issue with biodiesel is that it is not the present-day standard in the United States. As a result, you might have an issue finding a reliable supply. Many motorists successfully use this fuel in their cars. The oil remains clean, plus it keeps the internal parts well lubricated.
A growing number of sites are making biodiesel fuel obtainable due to increased interest. This is an exciting time for those who wish to order these vehicles as well as for the manufacturers who want to sell them. This fuel is much less costly and some motorists have efficiently used vegetable oil from restaurants. This provides a creative method of avoiding high gas prices at the pump. Whenever you use that kind of oil, you should filter any food debris first.
A great characteristic of biodiesel fuel is the fact that it generates a lower amount of emissions, which helps the environment at the same time it helps you to save money. Many people are changing their diesel cars or trucks so that they can use biodiesel fuel. There are several top manufacturers who currently offer biodiesel vehicles directly. All models coming from Volkswagen can be bought with biodiesel options. Plenty of large pickups run on diesel, and many of them, including Ford, Chevy, and Dodge all offer them in biodiesel. Volvo and Mercedes, and also Jeep includes a model ready to take off with production, and these vehicles are all renowned for their power.
You should understand that these heavy-duty vehicles will run with the same kind of power, except the energy source will be different. One will use diesel fuel, whilst the other makes use of biodiesel fuel, yet the power level will be the same. One likely issue for vehicle owners is that they may have a difficult time starting their cars when the weather is very cold. The cold weather can make the oil extremely viscous and that causes the vehicle not to want to start. What has been done as a remedy is to blend the biodiesel fuel with petroleum, in a mix of 80% to 20%. This depends on where you reside and how cold the local weather, with more petroleum added the colder the climate.
Biodiesel fuel will always be readily available since it is manmade, as opposed to natural resources which are usually limited. When these are exhausted, the only option is to discover a different energy source. What holds back plenty of customers is the fact that biodiesel vehicles can be very expensive. On many occasions, innovations are slow because we are afraid to do something different.
Don’t Believe All The Assertions About Gas-Saving Devices
The rise in fuel prices over the last number of years is mind-blowing. At times it may seem like the prices are changing every day, and this has made consumers anxious and in need of a solution. Life becomes tougher and tougher every time expenses keep going up, but wages stay the same. It’s tough when your budget does not extend far enough for gas when you really need to drive. It’s frightening when one price increase after another strikes you without an end in sight; and even a small increase accumulates rapidly to a big sum of money.
Prices that continue increasing are difficult to cope with, but it becomes especially hard when it happens frequently and then also creates increases further down the supply chain. Customers bear the brunt of price increases brought on by fuel price increases, as these are not absorbed but passed on to them. Similar to the domino effect, if delivery by a trucking company features somewhere in the equation, rates inevitably go up all along the subsequent parts of the system. As soon as the trucking companies pass on the fuel increases to the lumber yards, supermarkets, and even gas stations, they have to pass on the increases as well. This never-ending loop gets started and changes things with the customer receiving the short end of the stick.
With less of your budget to buy things, essentials will come first, and unnecessary outings will need to be eliminated. When there is little possibility that prices will drop, alternatives are going to be looked for. This results in an opportunity for businesses with products that provide assistance by reducing fuel consumption. The difficulty is based on knowing how to tell the good products from the terrible. The extensive variety of solutions on offer is great, but you don’t know if any of them actually work. The distributors of fuel-saving products know that if anything works, especially when it come to saving lots of money over the longer term, nobody begrudges paying for it.
Promoters realize that people are willing to pay for a solution, and they know that the right emotional appeal will bring in new sales. Mull this over before charging off to purchase that exciting new item. It is possible to more easily select the best product by doing a bit of homework on each one. Look up reviews of the products, and find out what other consumers have to say, because you don’t need to spend money you can’t afford for something that doesn’t work. We have witnessed warnings from the Federal Trade Commission about utilizing gas savings devices.
Make certain that you know very well what you are purchasing, and if it sounds too good to be true, then it most likely is, and you don’t want to learn that when the product has already been paid for. About a 100 products have been evaluated by the FTC, all of which promised substantial fuel savings, but all of them failed to work, so deciding who to trust is a tricky thing. Do not let yourself be taken advantage of when it comes to gasoline saving solutions.
Ways You To Spend Less Money On Your Car Fuel
Most Americans are forced to drive cars because the country does not have a transport system for the masses. Whatever one wants to blame it on, avarice, speculation or simply supply and demand, gas prices are at an all-time high. Because of this, there is a need for old-fashioned advice on how to save money on oil prices. Saving a bit here and a little there soon adds up.
Cars that use fuel in an efficient manner, for example sedans, or hybrids, if you can spend a bit more, are one plain way to lower fuel expenses. Even if your vehicle gets 50 miles to the gallon, you need to learn to drive slower, and keep from speeding up quickly, especially as traffic lights turn green. More fuel is used up the harder you press on the gas pedal, so whenever you can, take your foot off of the pedal, and let momentum keep your car going. You can prevent having to fill up for longer by applying a few of the many ways to save on fuel.
Be sure use the grade of fuel defined for your auto. If your auto is designed to benefit from utilizing premium gas, then that’s what you have to fill up with, but other than that you’re throwing money away. Removing extra weight from a vehicle and keeping to slower speeds saves a surprising amount of fuel. Driving fast means more air needs to be transplaced and that drag increases, which all means a reduction in fuel efficiency. Therefore, if you decelerate, you will save money and it is much safer too.
Unless you are going someplace and need a roof rack for hauling something, remove it in order to save on fuel. Fuel consumption is affected not just by the weight, but by the increased drag produced by roof racks as well. It may not save you an enormous amount, but there is no reason to lug around extra weight in your trunk without it being a necessity. Oil prices don’t look set to go down meaningfully, so either learn to live with it or search for alternative fuel sources while finding ways to cut back on your usage. People mostly find it hard to change their ways, so, even if they express indignation over the high prices, they mostly keep doing what they always have and pay what’s asked.
A lot of people are beginning to buy more fuel-efficient cars, but that’s about it. Most of the individuals who try to lower their fuel consumption are those whose budgets exclude them from trying the other alternatives. It may take an education campaign to get more individuals to realize that conserving gasoline is something worth doing. In addition to the money that would be saved, persuading everyone to drive more slowly would make our roads a lot safer and cleaner.
Keep Additional Money In Your Pocket By Using A Fuel Additive In Your Fuel Tank
Going green is very popular these days because it is expected of environmentally-conscious citizens. Nevertheless, the gasoline situation is a bit complicated because the demand is ever increasing while the supply continues to diminish. Individuals who drive automobiles have a public responsibility to search for different fuel options. A great way to accomplish this is by utilizing a fuel additive that can extend the life of the car’s engine. This process is likely to help their fuel to last longer.
A great deal can be achieved for the environment by utilizing fuel from alternative sources, and this might be way more than people even think. Utilizing a fuel enhancer is worth it, just for the life of your automobile, even if saving the environment has nothing to do with it. It’s one thing to save on gas, which saves you money, but it is another thing, to make your car run smoother. If a fuel additive is able to keep the many engine parts cleaner and operating more efficiently, then the added cost is definitely advantageous. It is all the more fantastic when you consider that it does so much more than just improve the gas efficiency of your vehicle.
Is it possible to think of the number of people who would eagerly spend a few dollars and add some fuel additive to their gas if they realized how much longer they could keep their car running? It is very parallel to finding a pill that would help you live well for a very long time, only it’s for cars. People have quite a few motives for the behavior they perform. There are individuals who would probably use a fuel additive just so they could feel that they were keeping money away from the oil companies. A few will take action, because they are into green living. Others are going to do it if this would save them a couple of pennies on a gallon of gas. Although other people would give it a shot if they could extend their car’s life by up to two years. And, then, naturally, there are people who wouldn’t do it even if you paid them.
Education might be the answer, but who is it that may possibly teach what needs to be taught where people would trust the message enough to believe it. We stay in dirty air that might be helped by everyone using a fuel additive, but how many people care. Should the big oil companies choose to place additives in their gasoline even at the cost of reducing their profits, they would demonstrate their concern for the environment. The fact is that, it feels like it’s every driver for himself with regards to maintaining a vehicle.
By using a fuel additive you’re going to get better fuel consumption, your car will run better, and you will save money. If more people made a coordinated effort to make this happen, we could expect to see reduced fuel usage and less pollution in our air.
Save Money On Fuel By Utilizing Your Automobile’s Abilities
Thanks to sky-high prices of fuel, a collective groan seems to be let out by drivers when it is time to fill up their gas tanks. Many would be happy not to spend so much but they are probably not aware of options to help them save. Some people buy items that claim to enhance fuel efficiency only to experience little or no benefits. And you will find other people who replace their car for something much smaller and with better gas mileage with the hopes of saving more each month.
There are a couple of very easy ways to use less fuel, and most drivers have never heard of them before. Most of these techniques do not require any outlay of cash. You simply won’t have any kind of problems at all achieving this and can be done right now. One option is utilizing the cruise control, which quite a few people are probably using already. Cruise control happens to be an easy feature, that has many advantages, especially when driving long distances. Plenty of people could have been spared speeding tickets if they had been using cruise control. There’s no need to concern yourself with going over the speed limit with cruise control given that once you set the speed, it will never go over it.
You will definitely save on fuel with cruise control because it sustains the constant speed so there is no accelerating. When you always brake and accelerate, the car runs harder thus burns up more fuel more quickly. If you need to drive upon a long stretch of interstate with little traffic, use cruise control to save on fuel. Another standard feature in cars but not made use of much is overdrive. This also saves gas by having your engine work significantly less while driving at top speeds. This means you should see how overdrive operates in your car and set it when driving on the highway.
While you drive, you probably look down at the mph gauge to see how fast you are going but have you ever paid attention to the rpm gauge? For anyone who is driving by using a manual transmission, it is likely you know that the higher the RPM is, the harder the car is running. If you want to save on gas, you want to drive persistently and steadily. You can even save on fuel by not using the air conditioning since it won’t require the engine to work any harder. You must only use the air conditioner if it is way too hot.
With a few simple changes, you can find yourself saving some money on fuel. Don’t spend more money on something in order to save some money. You don’t need to buy a brand-new car only to be fuel-efficient.
from Car Repair For Shadetree Mechanics http://ift.tt/2loz2AW
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touristguidebuzz · 8 years
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Mandatory Resort Fees Are Really Getting Out of Control
If you’ve stayed at a hotel on the Las Vegas Strip within the past few years, you’ve almost certainly been subjected to a resort fee. With tax, this daily charge ranges from $26.88 (Circus Circus) to just shy of $40 (Wynn and Encore), and includes some perks that you’d normally have to pay extra for (like water bottles and Wi-Fi), and others that you wouldn’t (such as pool towels and gym access). In almost all cases, amenities covered by a resort fee would otherwise be available free of charge to elite members, although even top customers are rarely able to get these fees waived (though there are some exceptions).
The biggest issue with resort fees is that they’re rarely baked into the room rate you’ll see when searching for a stay. They’re disclosed before you complete the booking process, but if you’re trying to compare properties based on the total charge, factoring in this extra charge can be a real inconvenience.
I checked in with Hyatt about the issue of resort fees, and received the following response:
Resort fees are reflective of resort properties’ added amenities and recreational activities in line with expectations of a resort experience, and Hyatt is committed to fully disclosing them to guests. They’re displayed throughout the booking process, including on hyatt.com and in the final estimate before customers complete their reservations.
It’s interesting to note that Hyatt referenced “resort properties” above — but what about a property that clearly isn’t a resort? Can a resort fee be applied there as well?
My Experience at Hyatt Centric Waikiki
Enter the Hyatt Centric Waikiki, Hawaii’s newest Hyatt hotel (and #4 on our list of The 10 Most Anticipated Hotels Opening Around the World This Fall). I spent two nights at this brand-new property last weekend, and I enjoyed my stay overall. The hotel does have a few minor kinks to work out, but there is one change that management should consider immediately: eliminate the “resort fee.”
The view from my “ocean view” suite at the Hyatt Centric — the ocean is more than five blocks away.
Now, just as in Las Vegas, resort fees have become tremendously popular in Hawaii — especially at resorts in the Waikiki area. Standard amenities include designated lounge chairs and service on the beach, local cultural activities, large pools (even several pools at some hotels), full-service fitness centers and self-parking, among others. Hyatt Centric Waikiki offers none of these, and it most certainly is not a resort. Yet it does charge a resort fee — here’s what’s included:
I’ll break this down based on my experience…
Two (2) Reusable Water Bottles — I had two low-quality bottles waiting for me in my room, one of which broke almost immediately.
Beach Chairs — these folding chairs are available from the valet, but you need to carry them to the beach (about five blocks away) yourself.
Local phone calls from the guest room up to 60 minutes per stay — who cares?
Pool & Beach Towels — helpful, but you could just borrow a bath towel from your room. Also, the pool is tiny — I’ve seen much bigger pools at airport hotels.
Business Center Access — two computers in a hallway near the lobby that I never saw anyone use. (Notably, free Wi-Fi is included for all guests.)
24-hour Stay-Fit Gym Access — while the equipment was brand new, this was the most basic hotel gym I’ve ever seen.
Daily Hawaiian Cultural Hour (available five days per week) — nobody mentioned this at check-in.
Complimentary Arrival Beverage — I was offered a plastic cup of pineapple juice while I waited for my room.
Discounted Beach Activities — this was never mentioned at check-in or check-out, so it’s not clear what’s included.
Is the fee really that big of a deal? Well, I booked a standard room with the AAA rate, which totaled $211.65 per night, plus $29.55 in tax. After adding the daily resort fee of $26.18 (including tax), that $211.65 room ended up costing $267.38 — that’s a sizable jump. If you’re not paying attention at booking and you’re planning to stay a week (not an unreasonable amount of time in Hawaii), you’re looking at more than $200 in additional fees. Ouch! Fortunately, I was able to get the fee waived this time by making my request with a supervisor (more on that below).
How to Avoid Paying Resort Fees
I was able to get the fee refunded, since the pool was closed for the duration of my stay.
With all that out of the way, it is possible to get around these fees. Some resorts will absolutely not budge, but I have had success getting the fee waived due to poor Wi-Fi connectivity, stating that I did not intend to use any of the amenities (in which case I paid a smaller fee for gym access) and, in the case of my recent experience at Hyatt Centric Waikiki, because the pool was closed for the duration of my stay.
While the front desk staff may not be able to adjust your rate (unless there’s been an error), they oftentimes do have the authority to waive or refund resort fees, as long as you give them a good reason to do so. As always, being polite will go a long way to helping your case, and if you’ve experienced difficulty taking advantage of some of the included benefits during your stay, be sure to have this documented along the way.
For more on how to avoid paying these fees, see our Overview of Hotel Resort Fees and How to Avoid Them.
Bottom Line
The Hyatt Centric’s pool isn’t exactly in line with what you’d expect to find at a “resort.”
According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), only 7% of hotels charge a resort fee (I might argue that the figure’s even smaller than that). Additionally, the AHLA reports that the trend of adding resort fees has declined overall, and hotels have gotten better about disclosing fees following a 2012 FTC investigation. That said, if you’re staying at a hotel that does charge one, knowing that most do not won’t make you feel any better.
As for this particular property, there is some relief coming soon — once the new World of Hyatt program launches later this year, Globalist elite members won’t be subjected to resort fees, even on paid stays. In the meantime, given that Hyatt Centric Waikiki doesn’t offer resort amenities, I think it’s reasonable for management to discontinue the fee, or at least make it optional if you aren’t able to take advantage of the perks listed above.
Do you think it’s reasonable for a “regular” hotel to charge a resort fee?
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ramialkarmi · 7 years
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What to keep in mind about your privacy when taking a DNA tests like 23andMe or AncestryDNA
Taking a DNA test to learn about your ancestry or health can be fun, but it requires the transfer of sensitive information: your genetic data. 
When sending in your DNA sample, it's important to get a clear picture of who owns that information and who will be able to see it. 
Before taking any test, always read the terms of service. 
  DNA tests can tell you where your family is from and what health conditions you might be predisposed to get. 
They've gained significant popularity in recent years — over Thanksgiving weekend alone, shoppers bought 1.5 million AncestryDNA kits. 
But the rise of consumer genetics tests has brought up a number of privacy concerns, since they deal with information that's fundamental and unique to every individual. Many consumers are wondering: When you spit into a tube and submit your sample for one of these reports, who has access to that information and who ultimately owns your DNA?
Senator Chuck Schumer raised the issue at a press conference in November, calling on the Federal Trade Commission to "take a serious look at this relatively new kind of service and ensure that these companies can have clear, fair privacy policies."
In a blog post published December 12, the FTC recommended reading the fine print. "If you’re thinking about buying an at-home DNA test kit, you owe it to yourself – and to family members who could be affected – to investigate the options thoroughly," it says.
James Hazel, a post-doctoral research fellow at Vanderbilt University's Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, has been looking into the privacy policies of consumer genetics tests. He said the FTC's suggestion is very important. 
"We are good at clicking 'agree' and not reading the terms of service," he said.
When it comes to DNA tests, a lot of pertinent information hides in that fine print, including language about who owns your DNA, where your genetic information is going, and what the process of deleting your information from a database entails. 
I've tried ancestry tests from from 23andMe, Ancestry, and National Geographic (a test run through the Helix DNA test platform), so I checked in with all of them to see how they stack up in terms of privacy. 
Who owns your DNA?
For starters, there's the question of who "owns" your DNA after you send in a spit sample. The 3 billion genetic building blocks, or base pairs, are what makes us who we are. 
"You’re granting us the rights to share information, but fundamentally you own your data," Elissa Levin, Helix's director of policy, told Business Insider. 
23andMe and Ancestry said the same thing — although the companies need some rights in order to analyze your sample and send results back, they don't have total ownership. They can't, say, bar you from taking another DNA test in the future. 
"We believe that you own your data," 23andMe privacy officer Kate Black told Business Insider. "So whoever's data this is is ultimately the owner of that information. However, we do need certain rights and privileges to process their sample and provide them with our services."
From there, it's a matter of how far those rights go.
Who gets to see your de-identified information? 
When providing a spit sample for a genetics test, your information can either be identified — that is, linked to your name — or de-identified. It's most common for the sample of spit you submit to be processed without your name on it.
While reading through your test's privacy policy, note who has access to both kinds of information. Based on the three companies I spoke with, the de-identified information mainly stays that way (you're assigned an identification number that only the companies can pair with your account).
In many cases, an external lab might be involved in sequencing the genetic data to pass back to the company. For example, 23andMe works with contracted labs in North Carolina and California. 
"The lab has some access but they don’t know who it relates to," Eric Heath, Ancestry's chief privacy officer, told Business Insider. 
Helix does the sequencing in its own lab, then sends some of that information to its test partners, such as National Geographic. Helix is trying to be like the "app store" for genetics, allowing you to submit your spit to them once, then use the sample for multiple tests based on what type of analysis interests you.  
"The information we share with them is only the relevant piece," Levin said. "For some partners it might be a few markers or it could be hundreds of genes." 
But there's a key caveat to keep in mind: Because your DNA is unique to you, it's can't be totally de-identified. 
"DNA is so unique, and there are so many data sources out there, that it is incredibly hard to fully anonymize — and more so to promise and provide any absolute guarantee that the data are anonymized," Laura Lyman Rodriguez, director of policy, communications, and education at the National Human Genome Research Institute, told the magazine Undark in 2016. 
How is the data that’s tied to your identifiable information used?
Your identifiable information includes any self-reported data and your name. 
With 23andMe, Black said, nobody has access to both your email and genetic information — only one or the other. The system that combines the two pieces to give you a report is automated, she said. 
The same goes for Ancestry. Heath said the personal identification and genetic data are "not commingled until we provide you with your results." 
Helix leaves the genetic information de-identified, and it's up to the partners to recombine the analysis with the person who submitted a sample. Because each partner has their own privacy policies, it's important to read those as well. 
The three companies we spoke with all said they've created safeguards so that even if there's a security breach, your genetic information and names aren't connected.
Can you opt out of giving research partners your genetic data? 
Another privacy concern is the possibility that your DNA could get shared with other companies without your consent. 
23andMe and Ancestry both have research partnerships with pharmaceutical companies that explore things like the genetics of aging, psychiatric disorders, or lupus.
Both companies require you to consent to sharing your information if you want to participate in those programs. Unless you agree, your information will remain with just 23andMe or Ancestry (and the contractors they work with to do the test). The same goes for connecting you with potential family members. 
Helix does not currently have research partnerships. Levin said if that changes, there would be a voluntary process users could opt into as well.
How to wipe your information after taking a test
After you've gotten your results back, your genetic data lives on with the company you sent it to, and likely in the tube of spit you submitted. If you're not comfortable with that, the vast majority of your data can be stricken from databases and storage facilities.
Things get a bit trickier if you consented to share your information with third-party researchers. In that case, you can usually stop information from being used in new projects, but anything previously shared will still be out there. 
Before taking any of these tests, it's best to learn about the process of deleting an account, and find out whether your sample will be stored indefinitely. 
23andMe
When you register your test with 23andMe, you can opt to either have your sample stored or discarded after use.
To close your 23andMe account, search through the help center for a page titled "Requesting Account Closure." On that page are links to submit a request or email customer service ([email protected]). 
If you opt to have your spit sample stored but later change your mind, an option in the settings section of your report allows you to discard the sample.
  However, there are a few places your information may continue to live. Under the regulatory standards that apply to clinical labs, Black said, 23andMe has to retain the bare lab test result for 10 years.
Ancestry
Ancestry stores your spit sample so it can be used for quality purposes, such as making sure the lab is running as it's supposed to and the testing is accurate. That also allows the company to update your results if more accurate sequencing technology comes onto the scene. 
To delete your DNA results on Ancestry, go to the DNA section at the top of the page — your test settings include a way to delete your results.  If you want to remove your spit sample completely, you need to call Ancestry's member services. 
Helix
Helix also stores your spit sample. To get rid of that spit sample, you can fill out a request with customer services. Helix alludes to retaining data for regulatory purposes in its privacy section, however.
In the settings of your Helix account, there steps for how to close an account. Doing that would cut off the flow of data to Helix's partners, Levin said. 
"Even if you had previously consented to share info with National Geographic, closing would close out the data-stream," she said.
Read the full privacy documents
For more information, here are the privacy pages and terms of service documents for the three tests described above:
Helix's privacy center and terms of service.
23andMe's privacy center and terms of service.
Ancestry's privacy center and terms of service. 
SEE ALSO: I've taken AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and National Geographic genetics tests — here's how to choose one to try
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ramialkarmi · 7 years
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What to keep in mind about your privacy when taking a DNA test
Taking a DNA test to learn about your ancestry or health can be fun, but it requires the transfer of sensitive information: your genetic data. 
When sending in your DNA sample, it's important to get a clear picture of who owns that information and who will be able to see it. 
Before taking any test, always read the terms of service. 
  DNA tests can tell you where your family is from and what health conditions you might be predisposed to get. 
They've gained significant popularity in recent years — over Thanksgiving weekend alone, shoppers bought 1.5 million AncestryDNA kits. 
But the rise of consumer genetics tests has brought up a number of privacy concerns, since they deal with information that's fundamental and unique to every individual. Many consumers are wondering: When you spit into a tube and submit your sample for one of these reports, who has access to that information and who ultimately owns your DNA?
Senator Chuck Schumer raised the issue at a press conference in November, calling on the Federal Trade Commission to "take a serious look at this relatively new kind of service and ensure that these companies can have clear, fair privacy policies."
In a blog post published December 12, the FTC recommended reading the fine print. "If you’re thinking about buying an at-home DNA test kit, you owe it to yourself – and to family members who could be affected – to investigate the options thoroughly," it says.
James Hazel, a post-doctoral research fellow at Vanderbilt University's Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, has been looking into the privacy policies of consumer genetics tests. He said the FTC's suggestion is very important. 
"We are good at clicking 'agree' and not reading the terms of service," he said.
When it comes to DNA tests, a lot of pertinent information hides in that fine print, including language about who owns your DNA, where your genetic information is going, and what the process of deleting your information from a database entails. 
I've tried ancestry tests from from 23andMe, Ancestry, and National Geographic (a test run through the Helix DNA test platform), so I checked in with all of them to see how they stack up in terms of privacy. 
Who owns your DNA?
For starters, there's the question of who "owns" your DNA after you send in a spit sample. The 3 billion genetic building blocks, or base pairs, are what makes us who we are. 
"You’re granting us the rights to share information, but fundamentally you own your data," Elissa Levin, Helix's director of policy, told Business Insider. 
23andMe and Ancestry said the same thing — although the companies need some rights in order to analyze your sample and send results back, they don't have total ownership. They can't, say, bar you from taking another DNA test in the future. 
"We believe that you own your data," 23andMe privacy officer Kate Black told Business Insider. "So whoever's data this is is ultimately the owner of that information. However, we do need certain rights and privileges to process their sample and provide them with our services."
From there, it's a matter of how far those rights go.
Who gets to see your de-identified information? 
When providing a spit sample for a genetics test, your information can either be identified — that is, linked to your name — or de-identified. It's most common for the sample of spit you submit to be processed without your name on it.
While reading through your test's privacy policy, note who has access to both kinds of information. Based on the three companies I spoke with, the de-identified information mainly stays that way (you're assigned an identification number that only the companies can pair with your account). 
In many cases, an external lab might be involved in sequencing the genetic data to pass back to the company. For example, 23andMe works with contracted labs in North Carolina and California. 
"The lab has some access but they don’t know who it relates to," Eric Heath, Ancestry's chief privacy officer, told Business Insider. 
Helix does the sequencing in its own lab, then sends some of that information to its test partners, such as National Geographic. Helix is trying to be like the "app store" for genetics, allowing you to submit your spit to them once, then use the sample for multiple tests based on what type of analysis interests you.  
"The information we share with them is only the relevant piece," Levin said. "For some partners it might be a few markers or it could be hundreds of genes." 
But there's a key caveat to keep in mind: Because your DNA is unique to you, it's can't be totally de-identified. 
"DNA is so unique, and there are so many data sources out there, that it is incredibly hard to fully anonymize — and more so to promise and provide any absolute guarantee that the data are anonymized," Laura Lyman Rodriguez, director of policy, communications, and education at the National Human Genome Research Institute, told the magazine Undark in 2016. 
How is the data that’s tied to your identifiable information used?
Your identifiable information includes any self-reported data and your name. 
With 23andMe, Black said, nobody has access to both your email and genetic information — only one or the other. The system that combines the two pieces to give you a report is automated, she said. 
The same goes for Ancestry. Heath said the personal identification and genetic data are "not commingled until we provide you with your results." 
Helix leaves the genetic information de-identified, and it's up to the partners to recombine the analysis with the person who submitted a sample. Because each partner has their own privacy policies, it's important to read those as well. 
The three companies we spoke with all said they've created safeguards so that even if there's a security breach, your genetic information and names aren't connected.
Can you opt out of giving research partners your genetic data? 
Another privacy concern is the possibility that your DNA could get shared with other companies without your consent. 
23andMe and Ancestry both have research partnerships with pharmaceutical companies that explore things like the genetics of aging, psychiatric disorders, or lupus.
Both companies require you to consent to sharing your information if you want to participate in those programs. Unless you agree, your information will remain with just 23andMe or Ancestry (and the contractors they work with to do the test). The same goes for connecting you with potential family members. 
Helix does not currently have research partnerships. Levin said if that changes, there would be a voluntary process users could opt into as well.
How to wipe your information after taking a test
After you've gotten your results back, your genetic data lives on with the company you sent it to, and likely in the tube of spit you submitted. If you're not comfortable with that, the vast majority of your data can be stricken from databases and storage facilities.
Things get a bit trickier if you consented to share your information with third-party researchers. In that case, you can usually stop information from being used in new projects, but anything previously shared will still be out there. 
Before taking any of these tests, it's best to learn about the process of deleting an account, and find out whether your sample will be stored indefinitely. 
23andMe
When you register your test with 23andMe, you can opt to either have your sample stored or discarded after use.
To close your 23andMe account, search through the help center for a page titled "Requesting Account Closure." On that page are links to submit a request or email customer service ([email protected]). 
If you opt to have your spit sample stored but later change your mind, an option in the settings section of your report allows you to discard the sample.
  However, there are a few places your information may continue to live. Under the regulatory standards that apply to clinical labs, Black said, 23andMe has to retain the bare lab test result for 10 years.
Ancestry
Ancestry stores your spit sample so it can be used for quality purposes, such as making sure the lab is running as it's supposed to and the testing is accurate. That also allows the company to update your results if more accurate sequencing technology comes onto the scene. 
To delete your DNA results on Ancestry, go to the DNA section at the top of the page — your test settings include a way to delete your results.  If you want to remove your spit sample completely, you need to call Ancestry's member services. 
Helix
Helix also stores your spit sample. To get rid of that spit sample, you can fill out a request with customer services. Helix alludes to retaining data for regulatory purposes in its privacy section, however.
In the settings of your Helix account, there steps for how to close an account. Doing that would cut off the flow of data to Helix's partners, Levin said. 
"Even if you had previously consented to share info with National Geographic, closing would close out the data-stream," she said.
Read the full privacy documents
For more information, here are the privacy pages and terms of service documents for the three tests described above:
Helix's privacy center and terms of service.
23andMe's privacy center and terms of service.
Ancestry's privacy center and terms of service. 
SEE ALSO: I've taken AncestryDNA, 23andMe, and National Geographic genetics tests — here's how to choose one to try
Join the conversation about this story »
NOW WATCH: Doing this for 5 minutes every day can help people who suffer from depression
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