[nfb-talk] Captchas, a growing problem

[Aaron Cannon]

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Hi all.

This morning I attempted to get my free annual credit report from the big
three credit reporting agencies.  I went to http://www.anualcreditreport.com
.

The law says that each consumer is entitled to receive a free copy of their
personal credit report from all credit reporting agencies.
AnualCreditReport.com describes its self as a "Site set up by the big three
credit reporting agencies in the United States, to furnish free annual
credit reports, as required by federal law."

While the form for requesting ones credit report obviously wasn't designed
with the blind in mind, I found it usable, until I reached the end when they
asked me to enter the letters in an image.  There was no alternative
available, at least not that I could find.

Now, feeling rather frustrated, I went to their feedback page, so that I
could politely remind them that not everyone can see images.  So, you can
imagine my chagrin when I find that the feedback form also requires the
completing of a visual captcha.

Now, its one thing when a captcha prevents me from posting comments on a
blog, but quite another when it prevents me from accessing my personal
financial data, especially when such access is my right under federal law.

I considered just biting the bullet and asking for sighted help, but I'm not
sure I know anyone I trust that much, as my social security number is
visible on the same screen as the captcha, and more importantly, its the
principle of the thing.

Anyway, I don't know if the NFB has anything in the works to deal with sites
like these, but I think its something we should seriously consider.

I'll have to think about it some, but I believe my next move will be to
write to the address given on the web site (its a physical address and not
an email address), explain the situation, and politely request that they
provide me with an electronic copy of my credit reports.

There is a phone number to request a paper copy as well, but obviously, that
would be less accessible and less secure than receiving an electronic copy.

I'll keep you all posted.

Aaron


- --
Skype: cannona
MSN/Windows Messenger: cannona at hotmail.com (don't send email to the hotmail
address.)

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