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Comment by hourislate | Hacker News Reader

I'm assuming you're in the USA.

The most important thing you can do too prevent things like Bank Accounts, Credit cards, etc opened in your name is to lock your Credit History. Without access no one can open up any kind of account. You might also want to lock down your SS Account.

Here are some links to get you started.

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/identity-theft

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-credit...

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-stop-junk-mail

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It seems like there needs to be a political push to fix the easily exploited systems that just use SSN, etc. E.g. make laws that require banks, etc. to need some other form of authentication.

But I guess an upgrade of systems will cost hundreds of millions of dollars...

I was given some good advice a decade ago by my father inlaw. Every time you are asked for personal info, give as little as possible (need to know/least privilege). When filling out forms, just the necessary fields (ex: no middle name/initial, home phone, etc). Do they really need a copy drivers lic at the doctors office? You can even call your Medical Insurance company and get a code that the dentist or doctor can put in instead of your SS number, that way you're not giving it out as much. There are plenty of things that require little effort that can go a long way. Opt out of CC/Insurance/Junk mail. Reduce the paper trail is good practice, bills should be handled online, direct deposit, etc. And I shouldn't have to say this but never use your real name online and refrain from all social media unless you can participate anonymously. I go as far as using a VPN and Private browsing as a minimum/baseline. At Thanks Giving, I would duck and hide every time someone took a photo so my face wouldn't end up on FB or other social media. My goal is to one day disappear from having any online presence or a minuscule foot print, no email, dumb phone, services, etc.

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