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Likely they may not be paying taxes, but have already found a way to circumvent the system such that they collect something (aid, EI, etc).
The hack isn't just SSNs - it includes address history, date of birth, drivers license number - everything reasonably necessary to establish identity. Not sure why the focus is SSNs, any solution needs to be even higher. This is about companies stockpiling our personal information and us having little say in the matter.
"The only thing Social Security numbers should be used for is to pay our taxes, which identity thieves are welcome to do." Likely they may not be paying taxes, but have already found a way to circumvent the system such that they collect something (aid, EI, etc).
I've done a lot to try and build my credit and protect my identity by restricting the information I give out. Now I can do nothing to protect it now besides hope someone doesn't target me.
Anyone have ideas on how to ensure an identity is not stolen?
Earlier quoted context omitted.
It is, and is related to some of the discussion in the main Equifax hack threads. The idea is that this information shouldn't be so sensitive because it isn't really secret in the first place. It also cannot be changed, so it doesn't really meet any reasonable criteria for authenticating information. To quote the relevant top-level comment I had in mind: >mikeash 2 hours ago [-] >If we're lucky, this will be the best…
Also note that other countries don't have this insanity.
This is the first I've heard of this, and it's a different characterization than what one finds on e.g. Wikipedia (excepting the last section of that page). Still, I believe TFA. It's remarkable how often the impetus to "do something" leads to precisely the wrong thing being done.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
It is, and is related to some of the discussion in the main Equifax hack threads. The idea is that this information shouldn't be so sensitive because it isn't really secret in the first place. It also cannot be changed, so it doesn't really meet any reasonable criteria for authenticating information. To quote the relevant top-level comment I had in mind: >mikeash 2 hours ago [-] >If we're lucky, this will be the best…
Also note that other countries don't have this insanity.
1) Are we about to see the end of "Name, DoB, last four" as an authentication? (Damn well should if anybody can be me now)
2) Are the credit reporting agencies discredited as a business model? The other two are likely either hacked already or about to be, and given this standard of reporting we wouldn't know till months from now anyway.
Can't trust em, don't use em, don't trust anybody that does.
Oh joy.
I'm very worried about this. I've done a lot to try and build my credit and protect my identity by restricting the information I give out. Now I can do nothing to protect it now besides hope someone doesn't target me. Anyone have ideas on how to ensure an identity is not stolen?
> Also known as a security freeze, this tool lets you restrict access to your credit report, which in turn makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. That’s because most creditors need to see your credit report before they approve a new account. If they can’t see your file, they may not extend the credit.
I've never done this, but it sounds effective - although if you want to open another line of credit, you'll have to temporarily suspend the freeze.