Would you put your SSN on the Internet? Of course not!

We are all aware of the hazards of identity theft.  If you have ever known anyone that this has happened to it is devastating in so many ways -  it changes their lives.   We all have to be diligent to protect information and protect our own information.  I do not ask my clients for their SSN anymore.  I don't feel I need them.  The lender needs it and will let me know if the purchaser qualifies or not.  The title company can get the payoff information directly from the seller as well.  I am just one less place that someone could find that information.  Don't give it to doctors offices anymore either.

I have seen the commercials for "Life Lock".  The CEO is handing his SSN out to everyone on the street, with a mobile billboard for everyone to see. His SSN is posted on the Internet.  He says it is that safe?  I looked the website up and it is $99.00 a year.  Apparently you sign up and if someone tries to open an account with your information you are contacted to verify?  I am sure there are other things they do as well.

I am not here to sell or advocate this product, just wondering if anyone knows anything about it?  Do you have it?  Are there  similar companies that the consumers can shop for price/ service?

Thanks,

Audrey

www.Audreyjune.com

 

6 Comments on Protecting your identity

NEVER

02/13/2008 07:23 PM by Renee Stengel, Westchester County (Houlihan Lawrence, Associate Broker)

Oh wow, I heard about this on the radio and it kind of freaked me out. It's like, even if they offered a 30 day trial...that would be one risk I wouldnt' want to take. To me, hackers are genius. Eventually, IMO they will figure out how to hack this. That's just my 2 cents. lol I think I'll just keep my SSN to myself for now :)

02/13/2008 07:24 PM by Baton Rouge & Denham Springs Relocation Lindsay Pendleton, e-PRO, REW, AHWD (Prime Properties)

That sounds like a great idea, please keep me informed if you find out more about this product.

Best wishes for a great 2008!

Joyce Logan, Real Living HER, Ohio

 

02/13/2008 07:24 PM by Joyce Logan (Real Living HER )

So many people I know have been hit with identify theft recently, it really makes you aware.  I don't carry anything with me when I'm showing houses now, only my drivers license and enough money for parking.  The rest I leave locked up somewhere.  Even checks aren't safe.  A friend of mine paid for her meal with a check card a few weeks ago and a week later it was used to lift $900 out of her account in a near by town - she still had her card in her wallet, someone just took the numbers off of it.  Be careful out there. 

02/13/2008 07:34 PM by June Piper-Brandon, CRIS, ePro, Broker (Advance Realty Anne Arundel Inc.)

Renee,  I would never put my SSN there either.  It was that this CEO of this company that protects your identity did it and on TV. I just wonder about the company.

Lindsay, I am with you.  I think these hackers are so good, just not sure what this is.

Joyce, will keep you posted.

June,  I have 3 friends that have had big problems with this.  I am afraid of what could happen too.  I think I may investigate this company a bit more.

02/13/2008 08:09 PM by Audrey June-Forshey, GRI, Gaithersburg, MD (RE/MAX Realty Group)

Audrey-Identity theft is no laughing matter......I have one client that has been going through hell trying to get their name cleared from a car purchase and repo......all of which they weren't a part of, just their name and SS #.  I haven't heard of the company you mentioned....but cheap marketing tricks don't make me believe in their security...like Lindsay said, who knows when hackers will figure out how to get the info....

I am like you, I do not ask for SS#'s, Escrow, and the Lenders get them, but I don't want that responsibility :)

02/13/2008 08:58 PM by Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker (CELLing Realty)

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Real Estate Agent: Audrey June-Forshey, GRI, Gaithersburg, MD (RE/MAX Realty Group)
Audrey June-Forshey, GRI, Gaithersburg, MD
Gaithersburg, MD
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