11.   Consumer and privacy groups said, however, that the measure would do little to protect customers from having their confidential information disclosed.

12.   Hawke said anti-consumer practices are a red flag inviting lawmakers to toughen laws protecting bank customers, perhaps as part of banking legislation currently before Congress.

13.   In larger companies, armies of guards provide security for top managers, protect customers and even gather intelligence.

14.   In larger companies, armies of hundreds of guards provide security for top managers, act as debt collectors, protect customers and even gather intelligence.

15.   Ironically, AOL is currently in court battling with mass-mailing firms to protect its customers from unwanted junk e-mail.

16.   John Pinto, executive vice president for regulation at the NASD, said the transaction was a positive move that protected customers.

17.   Johnson said the utility was committed to a program that would protect customers against price spikes again next winter but without the collars.

18.   Judy Miller of Chase Manhattan Bank says an early detection system protects customers from the fraudulent use of their credit cards.

19.   Like other insurance, the contracts protect the customer from certain risks of unknown probability, at a fixed price.

20.   New power stations and long-term contracts to buy power are expected to protect customers from wildly fluctuating prices.