| #: |
From / Date: |
Question / Answer: |
| 6919. |
Fred
Los Angeles
Age: 35
Dec 22, 2009
|
Nosey Neighbors
I am a privacy newbie and have just gotten to level 1. I just moved into a new neighborhood which appears to be occupied by a lot of retired seniors. So far I have been approached and asked my first and last name, where I work, what happened to the previous owner, etc.. What is the best way to handle this kind of situation without being talked about as the guy who wont talk to anyone or am I being too paranoid? So far I have told everyone my real name, which is just by habit. I didn't reveal where I work but my occupation. Any advice, would be much appreciated.
...
Wow, you do indeed have nosy neighbors! We make a point of living in isolated areas where the nearest neighbors do not bother us. ... Perhaps some of you readers can offer suggestions?
|
| 6918. |
Sebastian
Knoxville, TN
Age: 59
Dec 22, 2009
|
Sale of Information to Government
This article is about the sale of location information to government agencies. Other telecom companies are probably doing the same.
Submitted Link #1: http://arstechnica.com/telecom/news/2009/12/sprint...
...
If any of you still think you cannot be tracked when you carry a cell phone (even if turned off), read this. (The only solution is to remove the battery.)
|
| 6917. |
Charles
Summit NJ
Age: 58
Dec 21, 2009
|
Medical privacy
RE: Neil 6915
Yes, I ran into this problem a few years ago. My primary care physician referred me to a lab to have some blood work done. The lab did not want to do anything before I filled out their paperwork COMPLETELY. (As you can guess, they insisted on a SSN. I refused to provide it.)
I told them if they had any questions to contact my insurance company or my primary care physician if they wanted a reference, but I would not be providing the SSN.
nor would I be paying upfront. After
contacting my insurance company while I was in the lab's office, they backed down.
Now, you have hit someone with a bureaucratic mindset. Since you offered to pay upfront, their excuse of extending credit is bogus.
Therefore, there is another reason.
Maybe they want to check a database to see if you are the type of person who sues physicians? Maybe they are just being pig-headed? Who knows?
I do not know if OR law prohibits their behavior. Some OR attorney might
know that.
However, here is an idea. Explain your problem to your primary care physician. Get him on your side. Ask your physician to directly contact the director of the neurosurgeons private practice (or whoever at the private practice is the ultimate decision-maker), mention that he referred you to their private practice, and ask that person to make an exception in your case. Try that first. It has worked for me in the past. (Sometimes doctors think more of other doctors, i.e. they think less of patients.)
Good luck.
|
| 6916. |
Drake
LA, CA
Age: 34
Dec 21, 2009
|
Conversations Monitored
We can extrapolate from this.
The planes also are equipped with sensors that can monitor insurgents' conversations and help pinpoint their location, said Jeffrey Richelson, author of the "U.S. Intelligence Community," a detailed compendium now in its fifth edition.
It has been reported that ICE uses drones on the boarders. Are they similarly equipped? What prevents them from straying inland?
Submitted Link #1: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&si...
|
| 6915. |
Neil
Salem, Oregon
Age: 40
Dec 21, 2009
|
ss# request by medical care giver
I have been trying to obtain the services from a group of well known neuro surgeons. I was referred to them by my primary care giver. When they asked for my ss#, I told them I did not provide personal information of that nature because of identity theft issues in the past and I've been instructed to never provide it unless there is proof a legal requirement is provided. They said it was simply their policy becasue they are extending me credit. I told them that I would pay cash upfront for my appointments and any proceure that they could keep until my insurance paid off. The director of the facility said that I could pay up front but that I would still have to provide my ss# after I paid before I could be seen. He said they have a private practice so they can require any information they wish and that if I didn't want to comply, I should go elsewhere. I've not run across this problem until now. In all other cases I've refused to provide a ss#, they've respected my privacy. Has anyone else had this type of experience? Are they breaking any law by requireing me to give this number for no legitimate reason?
|
| 6914. |
Nona
SF, CA
Age: 45
Dec 21, 2009
|
IRS and FTB Shame list
Don't get behind on your taxes in California.
Submitted Link #1: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/txdlnqnt.shtml...
|
| 6912. |
Alan
Austin, TX
Age: 28
Dec 21, 2009
|
TRUST
I am going to be making a trust, in light of comments contained in the posts I am wondering what I should put in my trust and what I should not list to maintain the most amount of privacy.
...
This is too complicated to give advice on this site. See an attorney.
|
| 6909. |
Drake
LA, CA
Age: 34
Dec 20, 2009
|
6907 - Private Investigator reqs.
Mac - take a look at the link below. Becoming a PI in your state takes away your privacy for a time.
Submitted Link #1: http://ww2.wisconsin.gov/state/license/app?COMMAND...
|
| 6908. |
Michael
Sydney, Australia
Age: 18
Dec 20, 2009
|
Skipping college
Hi JJ,
I read you were giving away a copy of your skip college book. I'm ok if your offer is over, at least I can share with everyone a student's prospects in Australia. I finished my high school exams about a month ago & burnt out having mixed feelings about university.
My parents are blue-collar migrants & it's like I'd be going more for them than for me.
we have a system where the government lends you the tuition money & you start paying back (out of your taxable income) once you join the workforce. Most people don't pay off their loans until their mid 30's & are usually stuck with credit card & car loan debt on top of it. Then they buy a home & it starts again.
It seems like you can either get stuck in the corporate rat race, or a dead end job. A couple of older guys I know have impressive degrees & one supervises in a factory & the other is in a call centre!
I'm not much of an entrepeneur but I like to find things off the street (bikes, kitchen stuff, books, clothes) & clean/fix them up & sell them at a local market. It feels great, Maybe I can inspire some of your readers to do it, it's fun.
Anyway, thanks for reading my thoughts & happy xmas to you all.
...
Your e-book was sent.
|
| 6907. |
Mac
Madison, Wisconsin
Age: 50
Dec 20, 2009
|
Work From Home
Of course I own a copy of How to be Invisible (2004). I also own of a copy of the book Work From Home at Any Age. The latter book inspires me to pursue a new enterprise. I'm thinking of becoming a "fixer", errand boy, witness for hire, private detective, informal appraiser, etc. I live 75 miles from Chicago and 45 miles from Milwaukee. I could be a "man on the ground" for people who can't physically be in these cities but who need a human presence. I'm writing here looking for input from the readers of this site and from the author. -- Mac
...
You need to have qualifications and references, which may present a problem. And not just anyone can decide to be a "private detective."
|
| 6906. |
Josh
Seattle, Wash.
Age: 37
Dec 20, 2009
|
Re: Car registration options (Jack; #6905)
I suspect that the requirement of an Oregon address is either a policy or a limitation of the DMV computer system when processing a new registration. I think options #1 and #5 are the best ones you suggested. I wouldn't do #3 because of your brother's proximity and because he probably shares your last name. Please see my earlier post, #4129. The last few sentences outline my suggestion. Initially, to get the car registered, use the address of a nonresidential location that is open to the public. After the registration record is put into the DMV system and you have received your registration materials (mailed to your out-of-state ghost address), contact the DMV by mail or fax to change the physical address to your ghost address, explaining that the vehicle will remain in the state at various locations but not at the previously provided address. (See the link I've provided to the Changing Your Address section on the Oregon DMV Web site and go to the part titled Business Address Change.) Just keep the explanation brief, stating that (a) the car still needs to be registered in Oregon because it will be there for most of the year, (b) the old business address is no longer valid, and (c) the ghost address is the best physical business address to use on a permanent basis. Or don't--just leave the physical address alone.
Submitted Link #1: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/dv/chgaddress.shtml...
|
| 6905. |
Jack
Portland, OR
Age: 32
Dec 20, 2009
|
car registration options
Today was attempt #1 to title/register my car with LLC and Alaska address. No problem with the LLC name and he would transfer the title.. BUT he insisted on an Oregon address to actually register the car, so I took my papers back and went home to consider my options.
I don't think any in-state address I give would be checked out, and he said he could send mail to the AK address.
Several possible options:
1.) Try same routine at another DMV office (though the in-state address rule sounded pretty standard).
2.)Try registering with a private licensing bureau, although when I did a web search, I couldn't seem to find one in Oregon. What else would they be listed under?
3.) Use my brother's addess for the time being, but he lives just across town, which a little too close for comfort.
4.) Try to register the car in Washington state, either with their DMV or with a private bureau.
5.) Give the Oregon DMV a street address that is on the other side of the state but have them send the title and stuff to the Alaska address.
Chime in if you see one you like or think of one that's not listed. I'm trying to wrap this up before Christmas.
...
I vote for either #3 or #5 although #4 is a possibility. (You may have to sign a form that says you are not a WA resident.)A number of states do require an address within the state but I do not see that as a deal-killer. As long as the car is registered in the name of an LLC, anyone doing a search on DMV records using your name should come up with zero results.
|
| 6904. |
jiim
Greenville nc
Age: 35
Dec 19, 2009
|
Delivery Name for Packages
6900. Mike
Orange County, CA
Delivery Name for Packages
Why not just have another name for a room mate or friend who stays at your location that works the night shift and can not be there to recieve the package from UPS or Fed Ex when it arrives. this way you just sign your name joe smucketelli or what ever your name is, every time a delivery arrives. This will not work if you get caught sending contraband, such as drugs etc.
|
| 6903. |
Dorothy
Topeka, KS
Age: 40+
Dec 19, 2009
|
#6902 - prescription pain meds...
The healthcare industry and the law enforcement establishment are at total odds with one another on the issue of pain prescriptions. The healthcare industry has (within the past 5-10 years) instituted the concept of the "sixth" vital sign - the patient's self-assessment of their pain level. The law enforcement industry appears to want to be able to verify a broken bone, incisional pain, or some other "concrete" evidence of a basis for pain (which will of course last less than 10 days total) in order to justify the need for a pain medication. In the meantime, I would personally suggest (at least in Indiana) that a person provide a passport or passport "card" rather than a driver's license as ID. In Indiana, one must present ID at the pharmacy when picking up a narcotic medication. It doesn't matter whether that narcotic medication prescription was delivered electronically or via a paper prescription. It doesn't matter whether the prescription is for YOU or for a RELATIVE. (hint-hint-hint....) But I have successfully used my passport CARD (not the full-scale passport) on several occasions while picking up pain meds for a relative. In a separate rant.... There are genuine physical needs for narcotic pain medication, and it's a sad commentary on society in general that a person's short-term need for pain meds implies that they're an "addict...." *end of rant*.... Additionally, I have never seen a requirement that an Indiana pain prescription recipient or his/her relative provide *PROOF OF ADDRESS*, only proof of identity (name and citizenship basically). I don't really care (on a short term basis) whether the pharmacy knows who I really am, as long as they don't require me to tell them where I sleep at night!
|
| 6902. |
Seth
collbran, co
Age: 50
Dec 19, 2009
|
Pharmacies and ID
... You say "It is simply impossible to get prescriptions without a valid ID, especially pain meds, so I'm forced to give the clinic my true name."
... I assume it is the CLINIC that requires ID, and NOT the pharmacy, right? (In which case, get the prescription with an initial for your first name, then give a different name to the pharmacy.)
Precisely the opposite. It is the PHARMACY that requires picture ID and it must match the information on the prescription. This requirement is spreading from obtaining narcotics to just about any prescription. Several states require that Pharmacists verify and log the identity of the person picking up the prescription, to help prevent prescription fraud.
For controlled substances, such as narcotics or methamphetamine precursors it's a class four felony in Colorado to, "(1) (a) No person shall obtain a controlled substance or procure the administration of a controlled substance by fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or subterfuge; or by the forgery or alteration of an order; or by the concealment of a material fact; or by the use of a false name or the giving of a false address."
Federal law is even harsher when it comes to prescription drugs. And with the computerization of medical records, it's going to be much harder, and your prescriptions will go directly from your doctor to the pharmacy by computer, so your real name has to appear in the medical records, eventually. Or so I expect.
About the only way I can see to preserve privacy when getting prescriptions is to deal with a pharmacy a long way away from where you live and commit a felony every time by giving a ghost address.
...
From what you say, it is NOT a felony for normal presciptions (e.g., not for a controlled substance or for pain meds). And many states are light years away from Colorado, at least so far.
|
| 6901. |
Dave
Scottsboro Al
Age: 77
Dec 18, 2009
|
RE: 6897 John
I have used Vonage several years without issue. It seems to be in line with HTBI. Once they get their fee several issues can be corrected or changed.
My phone number is in a different city and would be easy to locate in a different country.
I know a missionary in another country who has a US phone number..
|
| 6900. |
Mike
Orange County, CA
Age: 30
Dec 18, 2009
|
Delivery Name for Packages
One way to have packages shipped to you in an alternate name (for later pickup at a FedEx or UPS) is to use your middle name, plus the first 2 or 3 letters of your last name. You can tell the carrier that they shipper must have truncated the last name. So, if your full name is "John David Smith", you'd have the package shipped to "David Smi". That being said, FedEx actually released a package to me once with only two initials for the recipient. I made up some excuse about the shipper being lazy. I wouldn't count on that being a common occurrence, though.
|
| 6897. |
John
Seattle WA
Age: 40
Dec 17, 2009
|
Canadian Vonage Line Ordered
So, my wife and I are planning to move to Canada in about 9 months. Part of my plan was to get a Canadian number ASAP. To get a CA number, Vonage's website says that you must have a real (non PO) address in Canada AND use a Canadian credit card. Doh!
I didn't give up. I purchased a $100 gift card at a grocery store (link below, max $100) and registered it online. I checked the box marked "foreign address" and then entered my Canadian ghost address and a bogus Canadian phone number.
I entered my order... the only thing that I got stuck on was the 911 address. You can shut it off after service is established, but you must use a real address. I used the address of my immigration attorney in another province.
Bing. The order went through as well as the 911 confirmation and my Vonage box shipped.
I have a Canadian phone number for 20 loonies a month! I will update in about a week or so when/if I actually get the vonage box.
Submitted Link #1: https://www.consumercardaccess.com/main/mygiftcard...
|
| 6896. |
Ian
Chicago, IL
Age: 33
Dec 17, 2009
|
HTBI mentioned on NBC 5 Chicago
Mr. Luna,
I thought you mind find it interesting that your book, HTBI, was mentioned tonight [Thurs, Dec. 17th] during a story about a plastic surgeon that was apprehended in Italy. He has been on the lam for five years and the news story mentioned that he used your book to learn how to evade authorities. It was a quick reference but I thought you would like to know about it.
Thanks,
Ian
...
Thanks, Ian. I remember that story vividly. I was watching TV when suddenly the screen was filled with the image of HTBI, "the only book this doctor left behind."
|
| 6895. |
jiim
Greenville NC
Age: 35
Dec 17, 2009
|
Want privacy on Facebook? Stay away!
Want privacy on Facebook? Here is how to get some
1. Some of your information is viewable by everyone. 2. Your list of friends may also be public. 3. You can hide yourself from Web searches. 4. Beware of third-party applications. 5. Go over your list of friends. 6. Create custom friends groups. 7. Customize your status posts. 8. Let your friends know you have boundaries — in person. 9. Never assume complete privacy. Also keep your children out also.
Submitted Link #1: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091217/ap_on_hi_te/us...
|
