I often worry about the amount of information Cuties share online -- not just here on Cute. I wanted to give you a quote from an online Credit Company -- but they do not allow links nor shared (quoted) text.
Essentially they said,The non-financial more personal information you divulge online is often enough for a thief to steal your identity or the identity of a loved one. Beware of presumably innocent private facts that a crook could use to steal your (or a family members) identity. For example, never list your full birth-date on any social-networking websites including Facebook or Cute. Never give out your full name (think middle or maiden) while anyplace else online has other information about you. Remember that banks and other institutions often ask for the name of your dog as a way to change a forgotten password…if you give it out online and they have your name, hometown, place you work or worked…they have you!
Also, don't display or give out your home address or phone number on any website you use for personal or professional reasons, including websites that help you search for jobs.
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Good advise, I am guilty of my birth date. My daughter did clue me in to program a GPS devise to enter home as a neighbor's address, never your own. If the devise gets stolen then they can clean you out before you get home by merely pressing home. Kay
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111380Good reminder.
Thanks
I always cringe when people post pictures and names of their grandchildren, too.
8230I'm glad you shared this with us all. It is frightening how easy it is for people to get info on us all. And how quickly hackers can get info and then sell it. Now can I say I'm 19forever? Yes It is one word. I hate to admit that I'm aging.
169064Thank you for the discussion, I hate it when they ask for my birthdate.So what should I put in if the information is required to get the requested information?
5 comments
by pcteddyb
22 Aug 2015
I use April Fools Day and the earliest year they allow (or 1901). No site really needs your birthday.
by rescuer
22 Aug 2015
They only ask to make sure you are old enough to be using their website (old enough to make purchases without asking for parental permission)
Make up a birthday -- I do.
173693You are right rescuer, it's a big scary world out there. Love Chris
1 comment
by rescuer
22 Aug 2015
It is if you are unwary and your identity gets stolen. ;)
I do know it takes years (if not a lifetime) to resolve these issues. It is always better to be safe with identity than sorry.
Hugs
234498Rescuer, thank you for a very timely reminder.
This also goes for giving a child or baby's name & dob. their identity can also be stolen & it may not be discovered until the child applies for a credit card or college in their name. I think just the first name might be ok, but why not say dgd #1 or #2 etc. & to say that they were born would be ok, but I wouldn't list their actual dob.
16707Thanks for this good reminder. I think we could all do with one now and again -it pays to be cautious with information so easy to access these days.
2316324331Good advise. I never used a pet name for security questions, always lie about the date of my birthday which can be hilarious at times, and do not create an account unless I plan on purchasing from that company. Use Paypal for purchases and never participate in the kind of e-mails that ask you what your favorite, color, ice cream etc is. Still I am sure I would be shocked to know what info about me is out there. Sometimes I am careless.
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