You don't have to shelter your life in a BOX! Use simple precautions, it's not hard. First, of all, monitor your credit from multiple sources, even if you don't actively use them. I use Capital One's Credit Wise and Experian the most. (https://www.experian.com ) this gives me access to two credit bureaus with an instant click of a mouse. I do not pay for any of it, yet. I also have Bankrate, Credit Sesame, Kredit Karma, all for free with email notifications. Secondly, Pay attention to downloads. If you don't use the "authorized site" for the download you will get "tag alongs". For Example, let's say you want to download the FireFox browser. If you see anything tag along, extra services you did not ask for uninstall everything and start over. Some of the sites look just like the real site making it difficult to recognize. Pay attention to the IP addresses. Just like Gmail. You get email's that look like they came from Gmail/Microsoft etc. but then you look at the address. The address does not match the company name then you know it's SPAM. Thirdly, devise a schedule and a list of passwords (do not STORE SAID LIST ONLINE on a device) Every year or two change the passwords to sensitive sites, like bank accounts, and credit cards. Some change them even more often than I do (as often as every three months) I don't, I have entirely too many sites. Every two years, order a new debit card with a new number. Same with your credit cards. The reason for this because it stops crazy auto-renewals that you know nothing about in addition to protecting you from unauthorized purchases. Finally, use PayPal or a similar site to make online purchases from unknown sites and whenever it's possible.
Please do not crawl into a box or hole and think that everyone is out to steal your information. I probably forgot some. Oh yea, I also lock cards that I know I will not be using for some reason. I have not paid to freeze my credit yet, but I will when I am in that position. (Even though I have a perfect payment record my score is not high because I have $35,000 worth of student loans on my credit).
Yes, Pay attention to the news. It will let you know when to be extra observant and extra cautious. I have Capital one. (recent breach of sorts). Most breaches that are reported don't obtain the "golden" data. It may obtain less secured information, (like an old mailing list). I got an email from Kellog's the other day saying that invalid password was entered too many times. I don't even remember setting up an account with Kellog's (yes the cereal company) (free coupons etc) but it says I set up the account two years ago so who knows. Maybe when I was trying to do those stupid surveys. But I used the link anyway logged in and checked to see if anyone had changed anything, or accessed anything and changed the password. I am not naive. I know someone ran a program to try and gain access to a "not so important" account that might give them information on someone they can use in a "more important" account.
Oh, and the MSP's are a business, a for-profit business with employees AND IC'S (independent contractors). They have to keep account of their expenses for the IRS, etc. especially if you make over $600 a year. So yes they do need your personal information. If they are talked about on this forum most likely they are a legitimate company. Simply cross-reference your list with the lists provided here on the forum. If you want to work under the table then this is not the job for you. I normally set them up to pay me with PayPal or a check until I get to know them, or have been paid on time a few times then I go to ACH (direct deposit) or investigate them here on the forum.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/28/2019 06:55PM by F and L TeleComm.