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From / Date: |
Question / Answer: |
| 6156. |
Wayne
Chicago, Ill
Age: 50
Jul 16, 2009
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Purchasing Stocks
Purchase Stocks
I want to diversify some of my investments and I'm considering purchasing some stocks. I know JJL recommends against it for privacy reasons. However I was wondering if purchasing specific stocks directly from the company, as opposed to purchasing from a broker, gets around many if not most of the privacy concerns? I know you would still need to provide a valid physical address, but it seems that your information would less likely to be harvested and sold.
Does anyone have an information about this?
...
Not me, since I never buy stocks. Until now, I've never been of fan of precious metals (PMs) either. However, after seeing what's currently happening in Washington, I am starting to change my mind. PMs can be purchased with no information other than an initial and a last name and can be delivered to any UPS location and picked up. No clue as to where you live. Further, a nominee can easily do this for you. So if you wish to diversify ...
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| 6155. |
Drake
LA, CA
Age: 34
Jul 16, 2009
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Google Docs and Twitter
This paragraph:
"It’s not our fault that Google has a ridiculously easy way to get access to accounts via their password recovery question. It’s not our fault that Twitter stored all of these documents and sensitive information in the cloud and had easy-to-guess passwords and recovery questions. We’ve been sitting in the office for eight hours now debating what the right thing to do is in this situation. We’ve spoken with our lawyers. We’ve spoken with Twitter. And we’ve heard what our readers have to say. All of that factors in to our decision on what to post or not to post."
comes from the article linked below.
Twitter seems to have a spy in its midst. That they placed sensitive documents with Google was a poor decision. The articles on TechCrunch about Twitter reveal some common sources and methods of the internal spies and the media too.
There are security and privacy lessons to be learned here, at the expense of the companies mentioned.
Submitted Link #1: http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/15/our-reaction-...
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| 6154. |
Chris
Montreal Canada
Age: 59
Jul 15, 2009
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Almost hacked!
I have a lot to thank JJL for, and here's one of them that just cropped up a few minutes ago.
I'm trying to set myself up as a freelance writer. I registered at eLance, which demands full name, address, phone number, and email to appear on my profile - talk about public! Well, I want the work and the money so I did it. But after I read HTBI, I went back in and changed my first name to my middle name, lopped off the first letter of my street name, omitted the apartment number, and changed the last digit of my postal code. I didn't know whether to feel silly or nefarious but I left it that way.
And then, today, came an email from eLance, saying that their database of personal info has been hacked, and that they are repairing the possible damage. The words "possibly including yours" leaped right off the screen at me.
But thanks to HTBI, I have nothing to worry about. Thanks, JJL!
...
You are most welcome, Chris. Thank you for sharing your experience!
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| 6153. |
Dave
New Ulm, Mn
Age: 37
Jul 15, 2009
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RFID chips
I found this article about RFID chip's a bit disturbing. I think I need to go watch Enemy of the State again.
Submitted Link #1: http://dprogram.net/2009/07/12/ex-ibm-employee-rev...
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| 6152. |
Dorothy
Topeka, KS
Age: 40
Jul 15, 2009
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UPS store privacy (or not)
I have a box at the UPS store for delivery of packages via UPS and FedEx that I would have otherwise received at home. My UPS store has a separate area with a separate door for entrance into the boxholder's area. Normally that boxholder area is open to the rest of the store, but there is a roll-out room barrier that they can open in order to allow 24-hour access to the boxholder area when the rest of the store is closed. I was issued a 3-digit PIN code for the keypad when I opened the account. I *thought* that the 3-digit PIN code was the same for all boxholders. I found out differently yesterday when I had one of those "senior moments" and couldn't remember my PIN code. I had to use the main entrance and get my mail from the clerk, and in so doing, I admitted that I couldn't remember the PIN for the door. She was friendly and offered to go look it up for me. I was shocked (that she didn't have it memorized either), and said, "You mean that it's different for each customer????" Bottom line: If you use the separate entrance at a UPS store to get your mail/packages from delivery to a paid box number, your entry into the store is RECORDED by way of that PIN pad - it is a unique code for each specific customer. If you use the main entrance, you're probably on video at the very least, and if the gate is up, you are also in the memory bank of the clerk who fetches your mail. I'm not sure the UPS store option is as private as I once thought it was (even though that level of privacy is admittedly lower than a privately-arranged ghost address!) Off-topic random thought for the day: If you haven't read 1984 by George Orwell and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley within the past 5 years, you definitely should! Those books were written in 1948 and 1931 respectively, and those authors were almost modern-day Biblical-style prophets! In the way that this information relates to one-time pickups at the local UPS store, I can't say, but paid-for boxes, even when set up with a carefully arranged ghost name and/or ghost address, are monitored!
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| 6146. |
Lee
Flagstaff,AZ
Age: 30s
Jul 14, 2009
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My Experience with the Arizona DMV
I purchased one of the LLCs advertised on this site a couple months back and up til now, never used it. In the meantime I did make up a logo and type up some letterhead to state that my
Now is time for me to move and to avoid rental truck, I bought a cargo trailer in cash from craigslist. That was a first for me, but I'd never buy from a dealer again because of how much privacy you can control when you purchase from a private party. Weekly I withdraw from the ATM cash for all expenses and set aside "savings" so that I always have a large chunk of cash on hand without needing to go to the bank for a large sum at once; I recommend everyone do this. The guy signed the title over and had it notarized so I could fill in my "buyer" blanks on my own; he didn't even see my LLC name. I filled in my NM LLC and my maildrop (I rent a small room from a friend and my name is not on the lease). I signed the title with my illegible signature. I left the "printed name" blank which I was going to fill out "Sales Mgr" in front of the DMV clerk if I was asked.
I went to the DMV at 15 minutes to close (thanks to your readers for this tip) and handed the signed-over title to the clerk. She asked if I had any documentation on the LLC information I put in the "buyer" fields. I handed over the articles of organization. She asked if I had anything linking me to the LLC. I handed over my letterhead document that claims I have privileges. Funny, she did not ask me for my driver's license to prove I was the said person in my letterhead document. She had me sign a line consisting of the LLC name, the word "by" followed by my printed name and also followed by my signature. I signed my LLC name, "by Sales Mgr" and my illegible signature. I paid the $16, got the permanent plate, receipt and sticker and the whole process was less than 5 minutes!
Now technically I can be linked to the address I gave them for the LLC because this rented room maildrop I also use for my home address on my personal driver's license and for all I know she pulled this up on her computer, although I'm doubtful she actually did this. Since this is just for a cargo trailer and it was a great learning experience that gives me more confidence when I go in next to title a vehicle, I will be moving the truck that pulls this trailer to the same LLC. I will be purchasing the Alaska ghost address to ensure they will not have any way to link another LLC for another vehicle to me in the upcoming months.
As far as privacy goes, I believe because of the way the insurance companies communicate with the DMV, and the insurance companies will always know who you are, you may not be able to completely hide your name, however if this prevents my name from coming up to a PI or the cops from a simple plate run, its well worth setting up the LLC structures sold on this website. Thanks again JJ!
...
You're very welcome, Lee, and right on the ball when you talk about titling the cargo trailer.
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| 6145. |
Kevin
Chicago, IL
Age: 19
Jul 14, 2009
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ISP Anonymity
This is partly a statement and partly a question -- I guess. I'm reading your book, How to Be Invisible, and the ISP privacy section seemed to me, to be difficult in attaining privacy. It is possible but it requires some work. I recently got a text message from Virgin Mobile and they just told me that they have a prepaid to go broadband internet access service. Here's the URL:
[Enter URL here] (Spam filter wont let me put url here)
Would you recommend these for EASY to attain ISP privacy?
Submitted Link #1: http://web.virginmobileusa.com/broadband...
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| 6143. |
David
Eagan, MN.
Age: 44
Jul 13, 2009
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alternative I.D.
At the end of this year or the beginning of next year, I will be going to the Dominican Republic to get my permanent residence card. I have had my temporary residence card for about seven months now and I live in the states somewhat invisibly even though I have legal residency in the D.R. When I go back at the end of the year to get my permanent residence I will also get a D.R. drivers license which costs about $30.00 USD. I can have a remail address there also but I will return to the states to continue my invisible existence. I have found some very low priced lawyers to work with to get this residence and am very happy with my decision to vacation with a purpose in the D.R.
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| 6138. |
Seth
collbran, co
Age: 50
Jul 12, 2009
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Cap & Trade
Cap and Trade, better known as the "Energy Bill" is one of the most intrusive and privacy destroying bills imaginable.
The provisions of the bill will create an entire new federal building code enforcement arm and massive new federal powers to physically invade your home to see that you comply with new energy use rules to be made up by the Secretary of Energy and enforced by his own private jackboot squads.
By 2029, all new residential homes and businesses will have to use minimum 70 percent less energy than they do today, and your home will not only be physically inspected and certified as meeting the regs, but it will be entered in a federal database, and combined with "Smart Grid" technology, the feds will be able to monitor your energy usage in real time, and shut down your appliances as they see fit.
And that's on top of the whole carbon tax scheme.
Submitted Link #1: http://thebroadside.freedomblogging.com/...
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| 6136. |
Everett
Des Moines, Iowa
Age: 45
Jul 10, 2009
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Name On Online Databases
A way to increase invisibility is removing my name from internet databases, such as background checks and white pages, for the most part, with success. Some, however, do not have this option, for their own reasons (ie Integra Scan). What do you suggest?
I enjoy reading your book and blog.
Thank you for your time.
Everett
...
The only way to absolutely positively become invisible is to move, use another name, and follow instructions in HTBI to the letter.Not easy.
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| 6135. |
Randy
Johnston, IA
Age: 46
Jul 10, 2009
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Rubber stamp for junk mail (#6134)
Be aware of the possible problems using a rubber stamp saying MOVED, LEFT NO ADDRESS (or some variation) on the outside of an envelope. See post #2588 and JJ's reply.
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| 6134. |
Jim
Orange, CA
Age: 71
Jul 9, 2009
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MOVED, LEFT NO ADDRESS
I thought Jack's use of a rubber stamp, (see his answer to post # 5982), "MOVED, LEFT NO ADDRESS" was an excellent idea. So I hurried down to the custom rubber stamp place to have one made. Then I thought, "Shouldn't it say "MOVED, NO FORWARDING ADDRESS"?
I decided to check it out. Jack is very thorough, so he's probably right - still . . .
I did a search on the net and found an article about auxiliary postal markings! I was surprised to find such an article! The title is "Return To Sender 2005: No Mail Receptacle" by Douglas B. Quine.
Here's the link if you want to read the article:
(website address)
It will contain much more information than you ever wanted to know on the subject but is, none the less, fascinating.
Now, I'm an old philatelist so was not too surprised that there are those interested enough to collect these auxiliary postal markings. But I was surprised to find an article, with color examples of these imprints.
Jack is right. The term as used is "MOVED, LEFT NO ADDRESS" however it is usually included as just one of several reasons to send mail back on a "multi choice" stamp.
The article states: " 'Return to Sender’ handstamps must number over a million!" That's good news for us. It would be very hard for anyone to tell a home grown one from an official post office one.
There's more: "The designs themselves also vary within this basic layout. This indicates that a standard rubber stamp has not been produced and distributed to local post offices." So, probably anything will work. But at least now we know why.
Here's another tidbit gleaned from the article that should be kept in mind when returning mail to sender.
"Applied labels are often used to direct mail back to the sender and have the advantage that they can cover the POSTNET barcode (typically lower right of the envelope) which directs the letter towards the destination by automation equipment. This is an important consideration; otherwise the USPS automation equipment will read the barcode and continue to redirect the mail to the original
addressee, creating “loop mail”.
So I also included a pack of 1 1/3" X 4" Avery labels on my shopping trip.
So the simple "MOVED, LEFT NO ADDRESS" works, and so should just about any configuration you can come up with.
But, in the interest of over-kill and my basic insecurities, I decided to go with the big 2" X 4" multi choice version, you know - with the hand outline at the top with the words "Return To Sender" written in it. Plus I now have a nice choice, as befits my purpose, of checking off a box for:
MOVED, LEFT NO ADDRESS
NOT DELIVERABLE AS ADDRESSED
UNABLE TO FORWARD
ATTEMPTED - NOT KNOWN
UNCLAIMED REFUSED
NO SUCH STREET - NUMBER ______________
INSUFFICIENT ADDRESS
NO MAIL RECEPTACLE
and my favorite
DECEASED
Also it looks so damned authentic - even to any postal employee.
All of these have a little square box in front of each choice for the mail carrier, (now me), to check. Another little tip in the article is that a black marker or grease pen is usually used to mark the chosen box. Wow, now we're really getting authentic!
I just figured that the whole thing would have more credibility if it looked exactly like the one many post offices used. And most of them do use a multi choice stamp.
If you choose to do as I did, brace yourself as this 2" X 4" stamp at $41.00 plus $10.00 for the red ink stamp pad is a bit pricey.
Jim
Submitted Link #1: http://www.postal-markings.org...
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| 6133. |
Ray
Los Angeles CA
Age: 50
Jul 9, 2009
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Cap & Trade
I would have expected the buzz in here to be all about the privacy which will no doubt be lost with the passing of
Cap & Trade. Anyone care to share on this subject. Home inspections, forms,
mandates, more inspections, etc. etc.
Being a property owner is losing its luster fast............
...
I haven't taken time to study this, Ray. In part, perhaps, because I am an optomist and assume it may not end up as gruesome as it looks at first glance. Readers, any comments or opinions about this?
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| 6132. |
George
Pomona, CA
Age: 26
Jul 9, 2009
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Student Loan Sinkhole: Case Example of Why to Skip College
The student loan industry has turned into one of the most predatory lending shams in history. What used to be a laughable "good debt" kept at low fixed interest rates has now become a monsterous burden without borrow protections and perhaps the most oppressive of its kind in U.S. history. If you know anyone who is even thinking about going to school, or if you know parents or students who are not convinced that what they borrow today may come back to haunt them for the rest of their lives, you need to let them see this video first!
Submitted Link #1: http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/525/index.html...
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| 6131. |
Randy
Johnston, IA
Age: 46
Jul 9, 2009
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SSN Can Now Be Accurately Guessed Using Date and Place of Birth
Another reason not to reveal your DOB and birthplace, including on social networking sites.
From the article referenced in the post at the link below:
"The accuracy of these algorithms is positively disturbing. Using a separate pool of data from the Death Master File, the authors were able to get the first five digits right for seven percent of those with an SSN assigned before 1988; after that, the success rate goes up to a staggering 44 percent. For a smaller state, like Vermont, they could get it right over 90 percent of the time."
Submitted Link #1: http://www.wisebread.com/your-ssn-can-now-be-accur...
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| 6130. |
Daniel
Minneapolis, MN
Age: 37
Jul 8, 2009
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RE: 6117, how to answer nosy boss
I think the fact that you used a P.O. Box as your home address that sparked his curiosity or suspicion. Anyone else I would tell it's none of their beeswax, however since it's your boss you have to be tactful. I would tell him a secondary ghost address you may use or can set up.
Even though I live with my girlfriend and I'm not on the lease. I always use ghost address's on applications usually a friends house or now presently an homeless drop in center (so homeless can give address's to potential employers). They even have a free voice mail and hold mail for you which I use in conjunction with goggle voice and a prepaid cell phone.
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| 6128. |
Eric
Orange County, CA
Age: 28
Jul 8, 2009
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social engineering
After I locked myself out of a friend's apartment, I went to see the building manager to see if he would call my friend and ask her to let me in. He couldn't find my friend's number in his files, so I just told him a number to call, claiming it was my friend's number. He called it, and the person on the other end claimed to be my friend, and asked him to let me into the apartment. He did.
No harm done this time, because the number really was for my friend, and it actually was my friend on the other end asking the building manager to let me in. But what if I was lying, just trying to sneak my way into the apartment? The building manager did not independently verify the information I gave him, so he had no way of knowing if it really was my friend asking him to let me in.
Could this happen to any of you? Is there an attendant somewhere with access to your house, apartment, storage unit, car, computer data, or anything else sensitive or valuable?
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| 6125. |
michael
trenton, NJ
Age: 40
Jul 6, 2009
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Why a passport?
After reading the passport application, it appears as though I will be giving up all inforamtion to the state department. Why distribute my info to them, when I could get a non-drivers ID from my DMV, and perhaps it would not have my drivers licesense number on it...?
...
The US government does not sell passport information. States often do sell such information. (If that includes mere ID cards, I cannot say.) I assume the ID card will also contain your address, whereas a passport never does.
But if you prefer not to obtain a passport, then don't do it. I give my opinions in my books and on this Web site, but you must make your own decisions.
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| 6122. |
Drake
LA, CA
Age: 34
Jul 5, 2009
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Facebook Folly - Britain
This story is hilarious.
Folks, we know better, but if your family or friends have social networking site accounts, make sure you talk to them about your views on privacy... then show them the story in the link below, and the one in #792, and research "Polar Rose" on Wikipedia, and other sites.
Submitted Link #1: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article66...
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| 6120. |
Dewey Link
N. Myrtle Beach, SC
Age: 71
Jul 5, 2009
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NM LLC
Can you put mortgaged real estate in a NM LLC?
...
Not without guaranteeing the loan yourself, so there is nothing to be gained. It's better to either pay cash or rent. Renting has many advantages!
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