Wax On. Wax Off. Assume an Enlightened Identity Defense Posture

Being a dad means an increasingly complex web of finances - multiple bank accounts, life insurance, IRAs, 529 accounts, credit cards in the hands of kids, and with all of that comes all of the financial paperwork and transactions to support it. Cause and effect being at play here, that means you’re also increasingly vulnerable to account abuse and identity theft. Being Noodads, you of course are smart enough to know you don’t write down internet passwords and you shred your sensitive mail…but does that go far enough? Security experts would say no.

I know that so I was doing some research online about credit checks and credit monitoring services…specifically interested in Life Lock. Life Lock is the company founded by that guy who plasters his Social Security Number on TV and buses. Turns out that his life wasn’t “locked” - some dude in TX was able to open a bank account using his SSN. Little piece of advice…don’t dare cheats - they have the time and the wherewithal to %^$# you. Life Lock is also being sued by several states. You can read all about it in this New York Times article.

Anyhow, the net net of my research effort is that there’s no bulletproof way to “lock” your life…checking your credit regularly, freezing your credit, shredding your bills…they all help. Mostly though, I’ve come to realize that it’s about assuming a defensive posture (a financial “Flying Crane” if you will) and common sense.

Get into the right mindset and some really useful ID theft prevention tips by taking a very cool ID Theft Quiz here. Answer 10 questions (none of them require personal info) and you’ll get a score and tips to improve it.