Top 7 No-Fly List Problems - - Top 7 Ways to Avoid No-Fly List Problems

1. Check Whether Your Name Appears on the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals List

The Office of Foreign Assets Control maintains a specific list of "specially designated nationals," including suspected terrorists, with whom US firms are prohibited from doing business. Credit bureaus, landlords and potential employers have been using them to screen applicants, so make sure you're not on this list.

Check whether your name appears on the OFAC list:

1. Go to the OFAC website.
2. Select the link for "Specially Designated Nationals" list.
3. Use the Search and Find feature to look for your full name.

2. Check Your Credit Reports For OFAC Alerts

Obtain a free copy of your credit report, since OFAC alerts may appear on them. Find out how to order your free credit reports from Annual Report.com.

Even if you don't find an alert, you may be flagged. According to Sinnar: "Despite the fact that the Fair Credit Reporting Act gives consumers the right to see all the information in their credit files, at least one major credit reporting agency reportedly includes OFAC alerts only on credit reports that are sent to businesses...," but not on copies sent to you.If you are flagged, you should contact the credit reporting agency to have your name removed.

3. Check Your Name for Terrorist Matches at S3 Matching Technologies' TeraMatch

S3 Matching Technologies has created a demonstration of the algorithmic software product, Soundex, the US government reportedly uses to search databases for potential terrorists. TeraMatch has compiled the best available data on suspected and known terrorists to create its own database, but you should be aware that the government is constantly adding and removing names.

When you go to the website, type your first and last name into the designated boxes. Select "search." Be aware that if only one name is highlighted, this doesn't mean you have matched a terrorist name.

Access the TeraMatch demonstration

4. Use the DHS TRIP Program to Resolve Appropriate Travel Related Issues

If you have been repeatedly identified for additional screening, you can file an inquiry to have it corrected in the DHS system. The information you'll need is at the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP), the central gateway to address traveler misidentification or related screening problems at US borders or transportation hubs.

Select "Follow Step One" and make sure you are eligible to proceed. Read "When Should You Use DHS TRIP" carefully.Once you have determined you are eligible, proceed to Step 2 of the DHS TRIP process to file a complaint.

Once you've submitted your Inquiry, proceed to: Step 3.

5. Contact an Attorney, If You are Placed on a No Fly List in Error

The DHS TRIP process is designed to help those who have been delayed or detained in error because their names are like those who are on the list. In a few cases, however, people who are not terrorists have discovered themselves--as themselves--on lists, without the opportunity to figure out why (since the No Fly Lists are not subject to Freedom of Information Act requests). If you are in this rare situation, contact your attorney for further steps.

6. Get Up to Date Information

Non-partisan think tanks and other research organizations have begun making recommendations for keeping watch lists' use limited and fair.

For interesting and clearly written information on what is being and can be done, check out:

• The Constitution Project's March 2007 Report, Promoting Accuracy and Fairness in the Use of Government Watch Lists (downloadable for free from the Constitution Project website)
• The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) resources on air travel privacy

7. Vote For Candidates Who Support Watchlist and Civil Rights Safeguards

Make sure your state and federal elected officials support restrictions in the use of watch lists, and support and vote for those who do! Support those who support legislation that protects your rights to privacy and to access information about you being used by the government.