Re: Reply: from Gail re: the terrible Equifax data breach

[robert <http://dummy.us.eu.org/robert>]

 > From: "Gail" <http://www.cox.net/~g3>
 > Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2017 22:07:53 -0700
 >
 > Thank you both for your replies and information. I think I will follow what
 > Dana suggested and make not too big a deal about it especially since we are
 > so busy otherwise with our move and just keep a check on our accounts for
 > anything suspicious.

If possible, never use a debit card.  When you can, I recommend getting an
ATM-only card.  (This is what I do.)

Also: you should inquire with your bank what your liabilities will be if
your identity is stolen.  I think, even with a debit card, you are only
liable for the first $50.  (Credit cards have always had the $50
liability.)  In most cases, the bank will call you if there is highly
suspicious activity on your account.

I know that you don't use a cell phone.  Given that you never access your
bank accounts online, that's probably a wise decision.  However, if you do
ever access your bank accounts or credit cards online, it's a good idea to
use 2-factor authentication, which, in some cases, require a cell phone
with texting capability.

 > I doubt a thief would want to bother with the small
 > amount of money we have compared to multi-millionaires or billionaires.

My sister has a very modest income, yet thieves targetted her.  I suspect
that, on the contrary, you are probably an even bigger target given that
you are mostly living off your savings and social security.

What's more: most multi-millionaries and billionaires can afford the best
security.  So, except in the movies, they never lose money.

 > Fortunately I don't do online banking and keep to a bare minimum any
 > financial transactions via computer/online and only charge online if I
 > absolutely have to. 

If you ever access your bank or credit card accounts online, I recommend
2-factor authentication.  Otherwise, you should probably call your bank
and close your online accounts.

 > Best,
 > 
 > Gail
 > 
 > From: http://www.waylandcomputer.com/~Dana [http://www.waylandcomputer.com/~dana] 
 > Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2017 4:14 PM
 > To: Gail <http://www.cox.net/~g3>; 'robert' <http://dummy.us.eu.org/robert>
 > Subject: RE: from Gail re: the terrible Equifax data breach
 > 
 > H Gail,
 > 
 > Unfortunately, this is probably only the first of many large data breaches.
 > Other than keeping a really close eye on all your accounts and checking your
 > credit report on a regular basis, I would suggest that you read this article
 > from CNN :
 > http://money.cnn.com/2017/09/09/pf/what-to-do-equifax-hack/index.html
 > 
 > If you want, you can go crazy and close all your accounts, reopen all new
 > ones and put a freeze on your credit account and drive yourself crazy or
 > just sit back and be diligent about checking your accounts.  Some Clients of
 > mine have decided to subscribe to various services like LifeLock but it is
 > probably just a matter of time before they get hacked as well?
 > 
 > Dana