When will we solve the identity theft problem? | FerrariChat
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When will we solve the identity theft problem?

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by jbtrader23, Sep 21, 2004.

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  1. jbtrader23

    jbtrader23 Karting

    Apr 20, 2004
    174
    Los Angeles, Ca
    #1 jbtrader23, Sep 21, 2004
    It seems hard to believe that in 2004, in the most advanced country in the history of the world, that we still rely on our Social Security number for our livelyhood. It's something from the horse and buggy days.

    What's preventing fingerprint technology, optical scans and other forms of identification from reaching mass appeal?

    Fingerprint technology (or a derivative) seems so easy. Anytime you buy something from a merchant using a CC, you could run your thumb across some type of scanner. You could have the same type of device on your computer when ordering online.

    There could be multiple layers of security (why aren't there photos on all credit cards?).

    It seems like the whole system could be massively improved.

    Do you guys ever worry about identity theft?
     
  2. MikeZ_NJ

    MikeZ_NJ Formula 3

    Dec 10, 2002
    1,533
    Southern NJ
    Full Name:
    Mike Z.
    #2 MikeZ_NJ, Sep 21, 2004
    Yes, but I worry much more about a complete loss of privacy derived from a massive database of biometric information on all citizens.
     
  3. SrfCity

    SrfCity F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
    10,142
    Orange County, CA
    #3 SrfCity, Sep 21, 2004
    Good point. Security(real or perceived) does come at a price.
     
  4. TigerAce

    TigerAce Formula 3

    May 29, 2003
    1,793
    Dallas, TX
    Full Name:
    Yoshi Ace
    #4 TigerAce, Sep 21, 2004
    Yes, that's a good point.

    I have worked on the project which converts time card to just finger print registration at the entrance & the exit. It was voted against by most employee who are the member.

    Sometime simple is the best solution
     
  5. coolestkidever

    coolestkidever F1 Veteran

    Feb 28, 2004
    5,538
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Patrick
    #5 coolestkidever, Sep 21, 2004
    totally agree, we have to get the fingerprint id tech. going, simple most easy way i think to stop this trend
     
  6. Kds

    Kds F1 World Champ

    May 1, 2003
    10,994
    Canada and Brasil...
    #6 Kds, Sep 21, 2004
    When creeping socialism takes over identity theft could become irrelevant.

    You may end up all work for peanuts and living in 400 sq. foot apartments owned by the state and no one will care what your name is. It wasn't much of a problem in Russia or other similar countries........heh.

    I'm in a sarcastic mood today.
     
  7. jbtrader23

    jbtrader23 Karting

    Apr 20, 2004
    174
    Los Angeles, Ca
    #7 jbtrader23, Sep 21, 2004
    Haven't we already lost our privacy (i.e. Echelon, etc). We're already being monitored.

    I'm waiting for them to see our inner thoughts... ;)
     
  8. MikeZ_NJ

    MikeZ_NJ Formula 3

    Dec 10, 2002
    1,533
    Southern NJ
    Full Name:
    Mike Z.
    #8 MikeZ_NJ, Sep 22, 2004
    Yes, some privacy has been thrown out the window already. Having been on the Internet for about 10 years now, and having posted on various newsgroups and websites, my entire life story is out there from freshman year in high school on. I was too young (and the Internet was too new) at the time to realize that every word I said was permanently stored on some computer somewhere.

    That said, there are some sacred things I would never devulge online. Think about what would happen if that central database that served to ID you also tracked your purchasing habits. Who would have access to that list? Would health insurance companies? Maybe they think you eat too much food that puts you at risk for a heart attack, so they raise your rates. What about employers doing background checks? Maybe they wouldn't hire you because they think you're a perv for buying a nudie magazine. The list goes on and on... just a thought.
     
  9. Evolved

    Evolved F1 Veteran

    Nov 5, 2003
    8,700
    #9 Evolved, Sep 22, 2004
    The easiest way to look forward is to look back.

    When the Social Security number was invented it was ONLY supposed to ever be used for retirement purposes. Our government officials promised us this.

    Now we know what society looks and works like today, our SSN is pretty much the "key" that defines us as "entity" in the United States.

    The easiest way to keep you Identity private. Pay in cash, for everything. My father pretty much has lived his life this way. I ran a credit reprort in him. He got one credit card in the early 80's that he has almost never uses. Other then that he has no file.

    Like everything else there are trade off's. If you want to live in the revolving debt and credit/mortgage/loan game way of life then you give up a lot of anonimity about your habits. With every convinence there is a trade off.

    The easiest way to protect yourself? LIE. People who have no right to ask for an SSN will often ask for it(such as barnes and noble used to for a discount card). Just LIE. Odds are they will never use it anyway and if they do it will be unlawful or at least unethical.

    The biggest SCAM out there today is the "fingerprint your child" movement. Don't beleive me? See the comment about SSN above. 70 years hence. Thank you for applying for a car loan, please put your thumb on the scanner pad.
     

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