Posted on 06/24/2019 10:44:45 PM PDT by Cementjungle
Looking for info/tips on how to prevent identity theft. As we all know, this is a constant threat with all the computer breaches and data being passed around.
I recently looked in the mirror and realized I'm getting old, so I decided to tidy up some loose ends in my personal documentation to make things easier for my family if/when I do wind up croaking.
Since I went through my whole life without an actual SS card or birth certificate (I do have all my passports dating back to when I was 14 until present, which is still valid). So, I went to SS and got my SS card, and sent off for my birth certificate.
I get the daily digests from the USPS showing images of what's being delivered that day. The day the birth certificate was to be delivered, my locked mailbox received nothing at all. The image of the letter indicated it was from PA Department of Health, which I assume a seasoned thief at USPS knew was a birth certificate.
So, going on the assumption that the birth cert was snatched by someone at USPS for the purpose of selling it to someone interested in identity theft, I want to make sure I am as protected as possible.
I had all three credit reporting companies put the 90 day locks on my credit reports, and also did the 1 year fraud alert.
I have beefed up my text alerts on all my bank accounts and credit card accounts. I went to the top tier security process for my brokerage account (they use voice recognition for phone calls, and logging in requires an app registered for use on my device only).
I normally monitor my banking/credit card activity regularly, but now I will me more aggressive in that regard.
I'm curious to hear what other freepers do in addition to the usual stuff to try and protect themselves. Is there anything major that I missed?
ping
I’d be mightily concerned as to your BC...as you seem to be.
I for one am no fan of running a debit card 10-12 times on a big “errand” day. In fact I won’t have a debit card. My bank card ONLY does ATM cash w/drawals and deposits. Boy, did I have to wrestle with my bank to get that. A debit card and a credit card have the same consumer protections, but a fraud on a debit card, YOU pay the contested amount until they recover it. A fraud on a credit card is a disputed charge and usually does not even reduce your balance nor available credit line.
For small purchases around town, I withdraw cash and pay in cash. I just believe that if you run a debit card 150-200 times, which might take only 30-60 days if you put your coffee and your groceries and that box of screws and half a dozen small purchases a week, sooner or later you’re gonna get it.
Zero debt fixes a lot of issues.
Pay off mortgage as fast as possible (did it in 8 years).
Pay cash for everything. EVERYTHING!! Keep 1 year possible expenses in cash as well.
Do this and you are bulletproof.
No debt, and no mortgages on my properties.
I never use my debit card for purchases, just the rare ATM withdrawal. I normally don't keep much in that checking account, and overdraft protection is turned off. I use 2 credit cards for pretty much everything since I like getting the points.
I only use the different banks accounts of mine to maintain minimum low balances and to view the accounts only.
One account has no card to use an ATM with.
Transfers are performed by land line telephone or in person.
Social Security doesn't have the same level of security that the banks and credit card folks have, so I fear if someone hijacked my SS identity I would have to fight an incompetent agency to claim my retirement if some other crook beat me to it.
I guess the other thing someone can do with a BC is get a drivers license. Not sure if that could damage me or not, seeing as I already have my own... but some illegal with a drivers license and BC could then vote... that would tick me off, and how can I find out if that's happening?
however she has no credit history!..no credit cards...
bkmk
> I for one am no fan of running a debit card 10-12 times on a big “errand” day.
It’s fine if you don’t keep all your money in that one account. I have an account I use specifically for card transactions, but no more goes in there than I anticipate to spend by that method.
“Pay cash for everything. EVERYTHING!! Keep 1 year possible expenses in cash as well.”
That would cost about 15 hours a month.
No debt on my property.
How do you handle the Property Tax debt??
It is a rising rent payment to teacher unionists for their RV.
>>“Pay cash for everything. EVERYTHING!! Keep 1 year possible expenses in cash as well.”
That would cost about 15 hours a month.<<
Great quick analysis. There is no argument FOR debt. Except inability to defer gratification which is what children do.
“I have an account I use specifically for card transactions, but no more goes in there than I anticipate to spend by that method.”
For debit cards, this is the way to go for sure.
We have identity monitoring through our bank that includes SSN. We don’t use a debit card much anymore. We put everything on a credit card for the 1.5% cash back and pay it off every month. Just had the card used for fraud (over $500)last week and got a text on my phone asking if I made the charges. I replied no and had them issue a new card. We’re not liable for the fraud.
What a childish post.
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