On Sun, Jun 19, 2005 at 03:43:31PM +0000, Ric Whitney wrote:
> How do I find out if I am at risk?

Anyone who has a credit card has been at risk since that credit
card was issued.  Numerous people at the issuing institution
have access to the credit card number.  All of the companies to
whom you have ever given your credit card or its number have
access to your number.  Not all the people who have access to
your credit card number are trustworthy.

Keeping your credit card number secret is impossible.

Tens (or maybe hundreds) of thousands in the government have
access to your social security number.  Similarly for any of
your past employers and the companies they contracted with to
handle their payroll.  Not all the people who have access to
your social security number are trustworthy.

Keeping your social security number secret is impossible.

I'm old enough (52 years) to remember when credit cards were
widely introduced.  The TV advertisements promised that you
would neither be financially liable nor inconvenienced if
someone else used your credit card without your authorization.
This should be the expectation/requirement today.

The only way to significantly reduce risk is to have significant
legal penalties for financial institutions who take your money
or give it to a third party without your authorization.

I'm amazed at the government types and financial institution
representatives who proclaim "protect your numbers to reduce
your risk".  Ludicrous.

-Dale
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