Five Myths About Identity Theft ...

[Monroe]

Just for reading ... these articles posted by this person are usually informative. I just got another notice in the mail that I may have had medical information released by someone no longer working at a large medical organization ... of course not just me but I guess many others are also affected. A few years ago I had the same thing happen, a communications company was involved in a breach. I filled out the forms required online and then got a letter in the mail some time later after the settlement was agreed to.

They were sorry but I would be receiving nothing ... there were no 'funds' left to pay anybody. Of course I'm sure the attorneys got paid and then whatever was left was soon exhausted for most of the remaining people ... a waste of time. This new one offers a possible cash settlement or 'one year' of free credit monitoring. Just a 'wild prediction'  ... no cash, the attorneys will get most of it.

https://www.foxnews.com/tech/5-myths-about-identity-theft-put-your-data-risk

5 myths about identity theft that put your data at risk

Why quiet data exposure, not big breaches, is the real driver behind modern identity theft.

Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report Fox News / January 28, 2026

Most people think identity theft starts with a massive hack. In reality, it usually starts much more quietly, with bits of personal information you didn't even realize were public: old addresses, family connections, phone numbers and shopping habits. 

All are sitting on data broker sites that most people have never heard of. During Identity Theft Awareness Week, organized by the Federal Trade Commission, it's a good time to clear up some dangerous myths that keep putting people at risk, especially retirees, families and anyone who thinks they're "careful enough." 

Let's break them down.

...

 

[NotHereToPlayGames]

Myth #3: 'Retirees aren't targeted because they're cautious'
My dad always claimed he was "cautious".
But then he'd complain about the ungodly amount of spam he would get because he'd submit his email address to any-and-every web site that asked for it.
It took a DECADE into his retirement years for him to finally start listening to advice regarding keeping his email address and phone number OFF OF every retailer's "system".
Seriously, why does the local barber need a PHONE NUMBER just to cut your hair?  Hint: they don't, you just have to force them to learn how to use DIFFERENT sections of their "system".

Myth #4: ‘Credit monitoring will stop identity theft’
Like the article says, nothing but a smoke alarm that tells you there is a fire but can't do anything to prevent the fire.

Myth #5: "There's nothing I can do about data brokers"
I'm very big into FAKE data.
It becomes a bit fun at times.
Insurance or something like that needs an "email" on file, so you use a TEMPORARY email that is THEIR email but ADD the word "crap" or "spam" or "bs".
They'll claim it isn't real and they need a "real" email.
So you make them jump through the hoop, "It *is* real!  Email me a 'code' and I'll cite that code back to you right here on the spot!"
Personally, I *hate* that I couldn't use a FAKE email here at MSFN - but there is no evidence of it being "misused" or "sold", so no lawsuit pending </sarcasm>.