Data Mining Protection

Jstpssng · Dec 2, 2020

I financed a truck this summer... the sales manager was trying to figure out why it was taking so long to sign the paperwork, saying that most people don't take the time to read it.
It wasn't the first time that somebody has told me that... if they want me to go faster, they should send it to me to read the night before.

My title attorney always does. :thumbsup:

JethroB · Dec 2, 2020

I posted about credit freezes on another thread. You can pay an expensive monthly service to do it or you can freeze them yourself at little or no cost. Its a good first step in limiting your information out in the wild. Experian, TransUnion, & Equifax are the three US bureaus.

What is a credit freeze?

A credit freeze is one way to protect yourself against identity theft. It entails restricting access to your credit report to minimize the chance of identity thieves opening new accounts in your name. You will need to give personal consent for your credit to be viewed.

Since creditors need to view your credit report before approving any new accounts opened in your name, a credit freeze is one way to stay ahead of fraud and is especially smart if you suspect that someone has already gained access to your personal information.

Jstpssng · Dec 2, 2020

^^^^
I'm not so worried about that, my problems have been with people somehow getting my account #. I had to close out one checking account about 10 years ago because of it, and a few years ago I used a CC to buy gas while on the way to see my parents. The next day I discovered that somebody had used it to buy a $90 Macy's gift certificate. I quickly had the card shut off but always wonder how many people don't even notice a charge like that, allowing the thieves are able to keep on using their card# for small purchases.

3Ts · Dec 2, 2020

I applied for and got a new credit card. Before I could use it someone tried to use the number at WalMart for $500. The fraud dept caught it before I did, cancelled the card and issued a new one.

I've had charges for a few dollars show up that were not authorized, we challenged those. Also had a store "round up" a $35 bill to $50 hoping we wouldn't notice, sent the card company a copy of the receipt and never did business with them again.

pmsmechanic · Dec 2, 2020

My credit card has the option of me being sent a text every time there is a withdrawal from the account. Often I get the text right at the counter or while walking out the door. That's awesome fraud protection right there.

JamesHW · Dec 3, 2020

We just use Amex for anything online or purchases/ATM withdrawals and never install any apps connected to accounts of any sort or any online banking. Money is moved via phone or personally. Never been compromised. Moved from Windows to iOS/Mac when I retired for the simple reason it works and a desire to not experience Win 10 (my Windows experience was 3.1.1, NT, 95, 7). Don’t lose any sleep if my search of images of towable backhoes results in an ad for towable backhoes, just careful what web pages I click on. Facebook is evil and I avoid having their apps on any devices.

riptides · Dec 3, 2020

I thought I was careful. But then I realized it is your bank, your shopping stores, your local, state and US government that all are the issue. How so? They all got hacked at one point or another.

Your information is already out there. People just need to pull it together and presto. Bad things will happen to you. The bad thing with social media, it pulls your family, friends and coworkers into your sphere of influence. Sort of gives the bad actors another attack vector, and even another form of validation - on you.

JethroB · Dec 3, 2020

riptides said:
I thought I was careful. But then I realized it is your bank, your shopping stores, your local, state and US government that all are the issue. How so? They all got hacked at one point or another.

Your information is already out there. People just need to pull it together and presto. Bad things will happen to you. The bad thing with social media, it pulls your family, friends and coworkers into your sphere of influence. Sort of gives the bad actors another attack vector, and even another form of validation - on you.

^^^^^ Yes this. And birthdays are used so often as a ID confirmation. Data breach’s galore. In September of 2017, Equifax announced a data breach that exposed the personal information of 147 million people.

MossRoad · Dec 3, 2020

JethroB said:
^^^^^ Yes this. And birthday days are used so often as a ID confirmation. Data breach’s galore. In September of 2017, Equifax announced a data breach that exposed the personal information of 147 million people.

Don't be so dramatic.... it was only half of the U.S. population.