Beware of email scams. According to the FTC, there is an email scam, where consumers receive an anonymous email indicating that their personal credit information will be distributed to anyone, who requests it. The email looks like this:

"Just wanted to let everyone know who hasn't already heard, the four major credit bureaus in the U.S. will be allowed, starting July 1, to release your credit info, mailing addresses, phone numbers... to anyone who requests it. If you would like to "opt out" of this release of info., you can call 1-888-567-8688. It only takes a couple of minutes to do."

When you get this email, ignore it. The FTC, confirms that according to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the July 1 date was the deadline for financial institutions to let you know, what their information-sharing practices were including details about how consumers can opt out of information sharing practices. Consumers may continue to contact their financial institutions to opt out of information sharing practices anytime they deem appropriate.