You can't opt-out of being a victim

This week, federal prosecutors indicted yet another hacker found guilty of breaking into Acxiom servers and stealing their 'customer management information' (spam lists). Ironically, Acxiom, which collects vast amounts of data on citizens and sells the information to others, refuses to participate in opt-out programs. Instead, they insist individuals contact them directly - by phone - so they can provide them with a sales pitch regarding their 'fair privacy practices'. They don't mention what they do with any data captured while on the phone with the hapless spam recipient. Those who've tried unsuccessfully to be removed from these master lists will find no comfort in knowing the Acxiom's security woes have led to not just one, but two intrusions resulting in stolen data. While Acxiom seems to be successful in having these illegal interlopers prosecuted, the real victims - those held hostage on the Acxiom list - have no such power. For details, see:
Never heard of Acxiom? Chances are its heard of you
Acxiom Opts Out of Opt-Out
Prominent database company hacked again