[Altavia]

Originally Posted by FredMitchell

2.9 billion records, not people.

Quote from article corrected, thanks

[rsmurano]

I’ve used LifeLock for years. I’ve locked 5 places to protect my data, LifeLock provided 2 more places to lock. LifeLock also alerts me if my data is on the dark web. LifeLock also alerts me with every transaction executed in my brokerage accounts, and banks. It will also alert me if anybody is using my driver license #.
If I go on a trip with no internet, I lock all my brokerage accounts so no activity can occur by phone or by internet access until I call them to unlock the accounts.

[Sandy and Ed]

Originally Posted by bill14564

i've always avoided sites like the above. A good way for someone to get my pii would be to take advantage of fear after a publicized breach to convince me to give it to them. "worried your ssn might have been exposed? Fill in your full name and birth date then hit submit."

the site above might be totally legitimate but personally, i would not provide that information.

bingo. !!!

[Berwin]

Has your SSN been exposed? Do you have an SSN? Then, it's been exposed.

[Sandy and Ed]

Originally Posted by Shipping up to Boston

What’s the old saying....the easiest car to steal or house to rob is the ones with the keys in it!

People....exercise some common sense, don’t unilaterally give up your SS# and personal info to anyone unless you’re 100% and have properly vetted. Do some due diligence!

Unfortunately your SSN is sometimes required for certain credit purchases. Interesting to hear “ never give out your SSN” from the experts and then have them allow credit granting companies to require it. I’m just glad that we now don’t need to open any new credit. We also froze our credit and it has been years since we’ve had to temporarily unfreeze it Until a several years ago your Medicare # was your SSN. I think your military ID was your SSN (??). It’s a joke. I don’t believe that this government is doing enough to eradicate hacking and identity theft. If a perpetrator wants to steal another’s identity or life savings then perhaps we need to reclassify some of these “non-violent” crimes as capital offenses. (OK, I vented).

[Markus]

Originally Posted by Sandy and Ed

Unfortunately your SSN is sometimes required for certain credit purchases. Interesting to hear “ never give out your SSN” from the experts and then have them allow credit granting companies to require it. I’m just glad that we now don’t need to open any new credit. We also froze our credit and it has been years since we’ve had to temporarily unfreeze it Until a several years ago your Medicare # was your SSN. I think your military ID was your SSN (??). It’s a joke. I don’t believe that this government is doing enough to eradicate hacking and identity theft. If a perpetrator wants to steal another’s identity or life savings then perhaps we need to reclassify some of these “non-violent” crimes as capital offenses. (OK, I vented).

and originally the SS card used to say to not be used for identification. It was never meant to be used as it is. Only for government. But it is a unique number for everyone so it was easy to use.

[MidWestIA]

yes freeze credit but you better read these reviews before using this

Pentester Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of pentester.com

[bp243]

Originally Posted by oldtimes

Rather than freeze my credit cards I put a block on my SS#

Interesting idea!! How is that done and has it inconvenienced you in any way?

[coleprice]

Are you absolutely positive that the link provided to check your Social Security number isn't a PHISHING website??? I'm not.

[Footer]

Originally Posted by coleprice

Are you absolutely positive that the link provided to check your Social Security number isn't a PHISHING website??? I'm not.

I input information for me, my siblings, and my high school friends, and the information was mostly correct. In my brother's case, the phone numbers were out of date. You don't give them enough information for phishing.

[1golfergal]

Originally Posted by rsmurano

I’ve used LifeLock for years. I’ve locked 5 places to protect my data, LifeLock provided 2 more places to lock. LifeLock also alerts me if my data is on the dark web. LifeLock also alerts me with every transaction executed in my brokerage accounts, and banks. It will also alert me if anybody is using my driver license #.
If I go on a trip with no internet, I lock all my brokerage accounts so no activity can occur by phone or by internet access until I call them to unlock the accounts.

I have purchase two cars while using Lifelock and neither time did it alert me someone was trying to obtain a car loan in my name..... I called LL and was told that not "every" creditor uses Lifelock.... So, for example, GM credit does not.... I find that mind blowing because that is why I use LL in the first place.

So, evidently, not every creditor reports to and or uses or maybe even by-passes LL..... not sure how that is possible but just to make sure I lock/freeze credit now.... was a bit of a PITA to un-do so we could buy house but it worked.....

Just a heads up. I still have a LL account but believe me... stuff gets by them!!!!!

[retiredguy123]

As I understand it, it is almost impossible to change your Social Security number. I have had the same number for my entire life and thousands of people have had access to it. But, I have never froze my credit and I don't intend to. So, I guess I am a sitting duck.

[MrFlorida]

Use two step verification on your accounts.

[Caymus]

Times have changed. I remember back in college when they posted test scores by social security numbers on the professor's door.

[Lanieb]

How does one “freeze” their credit?