The good news is it does hide some things. The bad news … It’s not nearly as private as you’d think.
Your data: It’s all posted online - But there's a simple way to remove it
© Sitthiphong Thadakun | Dreamstime.com
A loyal reader, Racquel, emailed me recently after dealing with a very angry customer at work. “Last week, she left me a voicemail and said that I was behind all her problems and she was ‘going to find’ where I lived.”
Scary, right? Even if you’re safe with what you do online, there’s so much public info about us floating around the web. And the worst part is that your personal info is out there for others to snap up completely free.
Racquel had heard me talk about Incogni, a service that removes your personal info from all the sites that exist solely to gather and share your info for their profit. “[Incogni] went to work right away. It’s going to be difficult for her to find my address,” she told me.
I want you to have that safety and protection, too. Let’s take a deeper look at who’s making money by giving away or selling your data online and what can happen to you when they do.
Data-hungry data brokers
Data brokers exist only to collect and sell your personal information, often without your consent. They gather data from public records, your online activities, retail sites and anything else they can find. This can expose you to:
- Profiling: These detailed profiles about you are sold to marketers, advertisers, and even employers or insurance companies.
- Identity theft: With enough information, bad actors can access your financial accounts or create new ones in your name.
- Spam and scams: Your contact info can be sold to telemarketers and scammers. That’s why you get spam calls, emails and text messages at all hours, day or night.
- Loss of privacy: All this data from various sources can paint a very detailed picture of your life. Just knowing it’s out there makes me queasy.
😡 Look, I tried to get myself out of the data brokers’ sites but gave up after three months. It was too frustrating and time-consuming. I decided to try Incogni after seeing an ad about the service, and I was very, very skeptical. I’m not sure how they do it, but Incogni got me out of these data-scraping sites.
Money-hungry people search websites
People-search websites aggregate information from public records such as court documents, voter registrations and property records, along with social media and other online sources. In the wrong hands, this can open you up to:
- Doxxing: That’s when bad guys publish your private info online (like your home address) to purposely make you vulnerable to threats across the web or in your home.
- Stalking and harassment: You don’t have to get doxxed for someone to use your personal info to track your whereabouts or target you for harassment. Stalking can start small, but it’s a nightmare that can last for years.
- Social engineering: Criminals use detailed information to target you with creepy, highly personalized scams that are harder to detect and resist. Think an old high school friend “reconnecting” out of the blue.
- Reputation damage: Outdated or incorrect information, like an arrest record, on people-search websites can drag your name through the mud and cost you opportunities.
Yup, I tried to get my name out of people-search sites. Like a bad rash, a new site pops up at every turn. I never thought it was possible, but Incogni got me out of these sites and put me on suppression lists so these garbage sites can’t put me back in.
Reader question: 'I want cameras to watch my house when I'm gone, but not when I am home'
© Prykhodov | Dreamstime.com
In times of crisis, it’s hard to get a clear view of the situation. That’s why irrefutable evidence is so valuable. Say a friend visits for a party, and your favorite vase is missing the next day.
Or maybe two family members get into a fight, and their stories contradict each other. You’ll have a hard time hammering down the facts. Security cameras can tell you what really happened when you have doubts. Tap or click here for five uses for security cameras you never thought of before now.
💲 If you put a Ring on it: Ring’s raised its Basic video doorbell subscription costs from $3.99 to $4.99 a month. Always something, huh? More than ever, getting SimpliSafe to protect your whole home is a smarter and cheaper choice.
Mac attack: A new macOS malware called “Cuckoo” is targeting older Intel-based Macs and newer models with Apple chips. It steals passwords and takes over your system. It’s spreading via websites and apps that convert streaming music into MP3s. Stay safe: Use TotalAV to protect your tech — it’s just $19 for a year.
3 secret uses for your home security system
You buy a home security system to defend against thieves, but there are more threats than just masked robbers outside your home. Garages, sheds, other outside buildings, and vehicles parked long-term can be just as much of a draw to crooks as your main house. To fully protect your home, you’ll need to know some of the best-hidden home security secrets.
Taking care of aging parents? Here's a simple way to keep an eye on what's happening
© Piksel | Dreamstime.com
Independence, safety and peace of mind. These are the most important elements for seniors living at home and their loved ones. Parents who wish to maintain their independence by living alone can be a double-edged sword. You’re happy they’re still self-sufficient, but you’re nervous about what can happen in an emergency.
How scammers in China manipulate Amazon
Come with me to China … where sellers use crazy mafia-type tactics to become top sellers on Amazon. It goes way beyond fake reviews. They destroy their competitors in ways that are hard to believe unless you see this expose. When I saw this, I knew you’d want to see it, too. Watch it here now.
Weekend project: 5 simple ways to make your home safer
When building a home security system, every little bit helps. You can make significant changes, like setting up outdoor cameras with facial recognition. This helps you spot familiar faces crossing your street every day.
How the U.S. caught a Chinese spy
Espionage feels like something from a Hollywood blockbuster, but you can bet some real-life spies are hard at work. Watch the fascinating story of how the U.S. government caught a Chinese spy..
Cyberscams unleashed, Amazon Echo celeb exodus & Georgia's nude ID shocker
Plus, turn it off and on again? Here’s why sometimes a reboot is the best fix for your tech. Let your creativity flow with personalized emoji creations. Director-approved TV setting, and professional wiffle ball is a homerun online.
Home security 101: Where to put cameras
© Chakrapong Worathat | Dreamstime.com
When it comes to home security, camera placement is everything. Tech gadgets can be finicky, so their location can make a difference. For example, here are the best places to put your router for better internet speeds.
How fast can thieves set up a credit card skimmer?
Would you believe 30 seconds is all it takes to install a sneaky credit card skimmer onto a gas pump? Scammers are even pinpointing targets on Google Maps. Here’s a video explaining how it works so you can stay protected.
5 features you should have in every indoor security camera
© Nutcha11 | Dreamstime
Research the best indoor security cameras and you’ll get many results. One way to cut through the nonsense and hone in on what you want is by asking yourself which indoor security camera features you need.
This way, you can filter out cameras that don’t have everything you need. Once you find your perfect camera, you must consider the best placement and location. Here are three ways to make the most of your video cameras.
7 clever uses for your smart doorbell camera
Smart doorbell cameras add a ton of value to your life. Not only do they make you feel more secure in your home, but they can deter criminals, too. If you let a burglar know you’re watching them, they may be too spooked to try anything.
Candy kids scam
A new scam you have to watch out for. Kids looking to sell you candy for their school may now be a scam. Here’s what happened to one woman.
3 places you should never put a security camera
Location is everything when it comes to your home security setup. You could spend thousands on a top-of-the-line system, but setting up your cameras near the ground does nothing. You always want your security cams high on walls and near room corners.
Thieves going through headlights to steal cars
Hackers have a new method to break into your car: Through the headlights and a chip from a cheap JBL smart speaker.
Trilogy Media: The YouTube Scam-Busting Duo You Need to Know | The Kim Komando Show
Ashton Bingham and Art Kulik, the dynamic duo behind YouTube channel Trilogy Media take on scammers and fraudsters like never before. From epic glitter bomb pranks to doorstep confrontations, these two will stop at nothing to take down scammers.
Need help setting up your home security system? SimpliSafe is just a call away
By now, it’s crystal clear that a home security system is a literal lifesaver. Depending on your choice, your cameras can catch burglars and even call for emergency help. Despite the many benefits, a few key concerns stop people from buying one.