How Did They Get My Name?

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This question is frequently asked by consumers. The answer is often, "from a database." A database is a computerized collection of information that is organized and processed according to a specific set of procedures. Information from several different database sources is often used to create a personal "database profile," which describes a person’s interests and summarizes financial and other records. Many of these databases are prepared using "secondary-use data".

Secondary-use means that the collected information is used differently than originally intended. For example, a credit card or mail order company might buy an organizations’ mailing membership list in order to send them product advertisements. This would be a secondary use.

A database profile compiled by one organization can be-and frequently is-shared with other organizations. Today’s computer systems enable government agencies and companies to easily share information. Databases can be compared, merged and purged to create new databases for a specific purpose. Development and sale or rental of potential customers lists has become a big business in inself.

Carole Bozworth, BozworthC@missouri.edu
Regional Specialist, Consumer and Family Economics
Jackson County, MO
University of Missouri Extension