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February 01, 2009

We are the Data Mining Detectives (DMD), fighting for your privacy

You may want to know why this blog is becoming popular quickly.  The number of page views we have received thus far is amazing and it is growing almost exponentially. 

Here is your answer: we are a loosely related group of computer scientists, mathematicians, researchers, economists, attorneys, and other numerati (basically my nerd friends) who believe that our privacy, like yours, is important.  We have attended schools like Harvard University, Morehouse College, MIT, and other great schools.  We represent some of the best analytical minds out there.  Some have recently worked for the same companies we challenge.  However, we don’t work for the companies that cross the line of law. We work for you. We are the Data Mining Detectives (DMD). 

In a more serious tone that doesn’t sound like a comic book, it is my ultimate goal (with the help of my friends from time to time) to educate the consumer, especially when it comes to credit. No one should have to go through what many of us are going through.  While a lot of what I do is marketing –and that is certainly helpful in the cause-- my heart is in technology.  I studied computer science in college while on a NASA scholarship. Anyway, in the last two months, I have realized that my talents and connections can really help people, so here I am; here we are. 

Over the past few days, I have received tons of stories and data from which the DMD hope to provide theories for your review.  Some of the data we have point to clear, adverse consequences for the consumer; other data are more abstract or fragmented and will take more time to crack. One exciting project we are working on includes reverse engineering some of the new data mining algorithms that we feel are unlawful and at the least, treacherous.

Finally, know that what we are doing is not totally speculative and that we are looking at this empirically; there is a process in place now and your consistent help is needed to fight the bad guys.     

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Glad to know you are on our team!!! I have shared with several of my friends and they are excited to know that we've got people working on our behalf to keep these rogues in check. Go DMD, our modern day heroes!!!!

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About Me

Greetings! I’m Kevin D. Johnson, a business owner who has recently assumed the role of consumer advocate and internet activist. Atlanta, Georgia is my home.

My Story

Upon returning from my wonderful honeymoon in Jamaica in October 2008, I received what I thought was an ordinary American Express bill, but to my surprise it was a disappointing letter informing me that my credit line was reduced by about 65% for a highly suspicious and discriminatory reason. Considering my excellent credit score and pristine payment history, it just didn’t make sense. However, what does make sense are the unfair and insidious policies that I have uncovered when asking why. It is time to change them.

Good Morning America tells my story.

The Goal

I created this web site to document and share my challenging journey to change what is wrong, unfair, and unjust in the credit card industry. The ultimate goal of this web site is to inform consumers of ways to stand up for themselves against treacherous business practices and to educate consumers about how to improve their credit. Finally, I hope to encourage a more open dialogue with credit card companies about their policies–good and bad.

Success

I am proud to say that this blog's unyielding demand for change led to an important amendment in the final Credit CARD Act signed by President Obama on May 22, 2009. Despite this major accomplishment, there is still more work to be done.

View video of bill hearing in Maryland

Testifying at a bill hearing in Annapolis, Maryland

Speaking Engagements

In an effort to educate as many people as possible about financial management, especially about how to manage the current credit crisis, I have begun to speak around the country at colleges, universities, corporations, chamber of commerce meetings, congressional hearings, trade organization meetings, etc. Having acquired a wealth of information that will help to empower people and to improve their financial future, I feel that sharing this information is the least I can do to make a positive impact. For information on my availability for speaking opportunities, please send an e-mail to Jennifer Silverman at jennifer@silvermanworldwide.com.


Speaking at a university

Disclaimer

All information provided on NewCreditRules.com is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for professional financial advice. Information on NewCreditRules.com is subject to change without prior notice. Although every reasonable effort is made to present current and accurate information, NewCreditRules.com makes no guarantees of any kind. This web site may contain information that is created and maintained by a variety of sources both internal and external. These sites are unmoderated forums containing the personal opinions and other expressions of the persons who post the entries. NewCreditRules.com does not control, monitor or guarantee the information contained in these sites or information contained in links to other external web sites, and does not endorse any views expressed or products or services offered therein. In no event shall NewCreditRules.com be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any such content, goods, or services available on or through any such site or resource.

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Great Resources

  1. ChangeInTerms.com

  2. Complaints.com

  3. ConsumerAffairs.com

  4. Consumerist.com

  5. CreditMattersBlog.com

  6. CreditSlips.org

  7. DefendYourDollars.org

  8. Epinions.com

  9. GotaClassAction.com

  10. My3Cents.com

  11. PlanetFeedback.com

  12. RipoffReport.com
* List provided by ChangeInTerms.com.


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