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Bob’s a little out of place in the 21st century. He does not own a computer. He does possess a recent iPhone, but not the depth of understanding to take full advantage of its capabilities. I have to admit that my iPhone skills aren’t all that deep either.
Bob just found out that his SS number is on the dark web. The notices suggested freezing his credit along with some other ideas to protect himself. He tried doing the work on his smart phone, he got frustrated, nearly threw it across the room. Somewhat embarrassed, he called me for help. I paid Bob a visit today, reassuring him that he wasn’t the lone ranger regarding both stolen information and not knowing his way around technology.
I also had issues navigating the three credit agency websites with his phone, so decided to try it the old fashioned way. Guess what, sometimes analog beats digital. We made phone calls, and it was surprisingly simple and quick. I also got him an IRS security pin, which will prevent someone from using his social security number to file a fake tax return. It was fairly simple using my computer to communicate with the IRS, and his phone to upload an image of his drivers-license.
Most everyone has personal information floating around the dark web. Don’t let fear of technology keep you from taking steps to protect yourself. Remember, just because you’re paranoid it doesn’t mean people aren’t out to get you.
Ah, but analog has its limits these days. Without owning a cell phone (I’m not a Luddite, I just don’t want one), I successfully froze credit at two of the three credit bureaus using a land line and a computer. The third bureau required two-factor identification via a texted pin, which, without a cell phone, I could not receive. That bureau, when contacted by phone, offered a mailed pin that I received two weeks later. Entering the pin into the specified website, I discovered that yet another texted confirmation number would be needed. In frustration, I gave up. My next move may be to ask a friend to help, in hopes that a pin can be texted to someone else’s number. The thought of trying to remove the freeze later if needed gives me pause though.
We did not need a PIN yesterday, but now that you mention it, when we called one of the bureaus, Bob had already frozen his credit there a year earlier. They simply verified the fact that it was previously frozen without requiring another PIN being sent.