SYSMATT@ukcc.uky.edu (Matt Simpson) (03/19/91)
In the discussion of the legality/ethics of cashing MCI's $20 checks without using their service, the Moderator points out that such antics are likely to result in the perpetrator being listed as a "mail-order deadbeat." Another reader suggests (presumably with tongue planted firmly in cheek) that this might be an effective way to reduce the volume of junk mail in one's mailbox. Actually, this will probably not reduce your mail volume. I doubt that many junk mailers do credit checks before sending out advertising. In fact, it could have the opposite effect. For several years, I have been receiving advertisements from credit organizations offering me "instant credit" on "ez terms." While none of the ads actually called me a deadbeat, the tone of the ads, along with the rates of interest, seemed to imply that I might be a person who would have problems receiving credit from more reputable organizations. I put two and two together when my application for an AT&T Universal Card was originally rejected because my "credit history did not meet program requirements." An investigation of my credit bureau file revealed that I was a deadbeat because a garbage collection agency claimed I owed them $40 for picking up garbage at a hose where I no longer lived. Apparently this was enough to get me on a "deadbeat list" which was sold to loan sharks as easy bait. So being a deadbeat may actually increase your volume of junk mail. As an aside, I finally did get my AT&T card. Apparently, the initial screening is done by software which kicks out anything which might be negative. When I called AT&T and asked about it, I could hear the rep paging through my record on her terminal. Finally, she said "This all looks good to me," and approved the application. Apparently she had as much difficulty wading through that stuff as I did. I also went through the process of protesting to the credit bureau. Apparently, the collection agency which bought the "unpaid" bill from the garbage company didn't accept my explanation. When I received my updated record from the bureau, it still listed the deadbeat entry, along with a verbatim copy of my explanation.