This pilot fish gets the usual collection of email messages from the banks that issue his credit cards, but one of them catches his attention right away.

"The subject line was 'Action Recommended: Barney, This Is Regarding the Info on Your Account,'" says fish.

"After my full name and part of the card number, to 'help verify that it was sent by' the bank, it continued, 'Please help us keep your account information up to date by providing or confirming your most recent income and housing information.

"'Why do we ask for this information? In order to better serve you, we collect this information on an annual basis so we can evaluate your account for future credit needs, including potential credit line increases.'

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