Lifelock? ID Protection?

[ekmallette]

So with all this talk about credit cards, debit cards, online accounts and such, I'm wondering what folks do to protect themselves? I've seen the ads on tv for that Lifelock service, which one of our daughters uses and swears by. I also know that a lot of various credit cards companies/banks provide their own security. Any recommendations?

[eyes4]

Against what are you asking about protection?
You can do what LifeLock does for free, it just takes some of your time.
Flag your accounts at financial institutions with whom you do business and opt out of credit card offers.
Watch your credit report on a regular basis for activity you know you did not initiate.

The book "How To Be Invisible" by J.J. Luna will help any reader to protect their identity. It can be found on Amazon.com and contains creative (legal) methods of protecting ones' self.

eyes4

[ekmallette]

You understood what I was talking about...ID protection. Thanks for the recommendation on the book! My step-daughter is extremely afraid of identity theft so I'm going to tell her about that for sure!

[Lissy]

Lifelock is not that reliable, it turns out. Remember the commercial where its owner gives out his Social Security number? Well, believe it or not, people have actually taken it and used it to steal his identity. It was on the news just recently.

[DianaR]

Originally Posted by Lissy

Lifelock is not that reliable, it turns out. Remember the commercial where its owner gives out his Social Security number? Well, believe it or not, people have actually taken it and used it to steal his identity. It was on the news just recently.

Lifelock is supposed to catch those who try using your ID, not prevent them from trying to do so.

If they were caught, or the activity was caught, the program worked!

[Orrymain]

I did a trial with Lifelock and was super impressed with them. If I could afford it, I'd get them again. I just don't have the extra money for it. They had great communication and I knew exactly what was happening. From my trial, I recommend them, too.

[DianaR]

Originally Posted by Orrymain

I did a trial with Lifelock and was super impressed with them. If I could afford it, I'd get them again. I just don't have the extra money for it. They had great communication and I knew exactly what was happening. From my trial, I recommend them, too.

As with any other service, Lifelock may be more suitable for some than others.

You can limit the likelihood that someone will use your accounts for unauthorized purchases by using only one card or account for online purchases, and shredding your mail before discarding it.

[matt90]

If you are unable to afford a service like Lifelock, then I would recommend being very careful with your personal information. Make sure you purchase only from reputable sites/stores and shred all of your personal papers. People can open a line of credit under your name with just a few pieces of information.

[Agent Fred]

The fear of identity theft has added one more complication to an already complicated modern life. It's one more reason to NOT have a lot of credit and debt lying around.

[DianaR]

Originally Posted by Agent Fred

The fear of identity theft has added one more complication to an already complicated modern life. It's one more reason to NOT have a lot of credit and debt lying around.

Fear is a bigger enemy than the criminals who create the problems.


Don't let fear prevent you from proceding as you see fit. Just put a few things in place that will help you keep track of what is going on with your finances.

IF you limit your online spending to one account, and keep the money available in that account really low, you should be ok. Don't use your credit card, but use a debit card associated with an account that you only place enough money in for planned purchases.

It will limit the damage if someone manages to get through to your account. Discuss security measures with the bank or service that where you open the account and choose wisely.