#9965
06/17/13
DL database facial recognition
The use of state driver's license photos with facial recognition software by police was featured in a front page article in the June 17, 2013 Washington Post.
The following 13 states do NOT use facial recognition on their DL databases: AK, CA, AZ, WY, MO, LA, MS,MI, OH, VA, MD, NH, ME.
The following 11 states plus DC do have it but bgenerally do not allow police searches: HI, WA, OR, ID, MT, KS, OK, MN, WI, TN, NY, DC.
The remaining 26 states do use such software and DO allow police searches, so does the US state department passport photo database.
According to the article, it is possible to match a photo from Facebook to a DL photo (if not an exact match a very short list of possible matches.)
lisa, richmond, va Age: 44
The use of state driver's license photos with facial recognition software by police was featured in a front page article in the June 17, 2013 Washington Post.
The following 13 states do NOT use facial recognition on their DL databases: AK, CA, AZ, WY, MO, LA, MS,MI, OH, VA, MD, NH, ME.
The following 11 states plus DC do have it but bgenerally do not allow police searches: HI, WA, OR, ID, MT, KS, OK, MN, WI, TN, NY, DC.
The remaining 26 states do use such software and DO allow police searches, so does the US state department passport photo database.
According to the article, it is possible to match a photo from Facebook to a DL photo (if not an exact match a very short list of possible matches.)
lisa, richmond, va Age: 44
Since you didn't list an email, I can't pass your question on to Rosie. Assuming you bought the LLC from her, please contact her at rosie@senoritarosie.com
#9958
06/14/13
Epub format, Nook, Kobo and Sony Ebook stores
I recommend you to list your shorter pamphlets as well in the Nook, Kobo and Sony Ebook stores as well. These stores offer books in the Epub format, not Amazon's file format. I know HTBI is listed, but your short reports are only available on Amazon. You could reach more customers.
Jack, London, UK Age: 45
I recommend you to list your shorter pamphlets as well in the Nook, Kobo and Sony Ebook stores as well. These stores offer books in the Epub format, not Amazon's file format. I know HTBI is listed, but your short reports are only available on Amazon. You could reach more customers.
Jack, London, UK Age: 45
I reach far more readers on Amazon than in all other places combined. Unfortunately, Amazon does not permit sales elsewhere if an ebook is in the KDP program with free days. (Nevertheless, some of my ebooks are available in PDF if ordered by mail.)
#9956
06/13/13
#9937
Indiana does not have private titling agencies. You have to go through the DMV in Indiana. Additionally, Indiana has a real problem with titling vehicles for homeless people and/or itinerant travelers. I once had a DMV employee tell me that, "basically, you can't legally own a car in Indiana unless you also have a house or apartment." I'm not sure about Ohio or Kentucky, but with Indiana, you will need a verifiable street address and the documentation to prove that you live there (a nominee could help with this, depending upon how creative you are). Again, not sure about Ohio or Kentucky, just Indiana!
Dorothy, Topeka, KS Age: 47
Indiana does not have private titling agencies. You have to go through the DMV in Indiana. Additionally, Indiana has a real problem with titling vehicles for homeless people and/or itinerant travelers. I once had a DMV employee tell me that, "basically, you can't legally own a car in Indiana unless you also have a house or apartment." I'm not sure about Ohio or Kentucky, but with Indiana, you will need a verifiable street address and the documentation to prove that you live there (a nominee could help with this, depending upon how creative you are). Again, not sure about Ohio or Kentucky, just Indiana!
Dorothy, Topeka, KS Age: 47
#9955
06/13/13
Ex-boyfriend turned stalker goes after ex-girlfriend
This line stuck out to me and I was reminded of the warnings given in your great book.
"Authorities say that Prodromos Vasilopoulos, 23, of Athens, pretended to be a UPS delivery man to get into the victim's apartment."
URL #1: http://blog.invisible-privacy.com/
Jeremy, Reno, NV Age: 25
This line stuck out to me and I was reminded of the warnings given in your great book.
"Authorities say that Prodromos Vasilopoulos, 23, of Athens, pretended to be a UPS delivery man to get into the victim's apartment."
URL #1: http://blog.invisible-privacy.com/
Jeremy, Reno, NV Age: 25
Thanks for posting the news about this brutal attack, Jeremy. I posted your reference to it on my blog today.
#9942
06/11/13
Duke Grad Student Secretly Lived In a Van to Escape Loan Debt
Sorry this isnt a question but I seen the story and thought it would be a good read for folks here especially since JJ has an e-book similar to doing this.
I think I would have found something along the line of a used RV if at all possible and then rotate to a new Walmart parking lot or similar every couple days. Then biked to school if it could be done rather then burn gas in the RV.
URL #1: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/duke-grad-student-secretly-lived-in-a-van-to-escape-loan-debt-194021112.html?page=all
Russell, Baltimore, MD Age: 40
Sorry this isnt a question but I seen the story and thought it would be a good read for folks here especially since JJ has an e-book similar to doing this.
I think I would have found something along the line of a used RV if at all possible and then rotate to a new Walmart parking lot or similar every couple days. Then biked to school if it could be done rather then burn gas in the RV.
URL #1: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/duke-grad-student-secretly-lived-in-a-van-to-escape-loan-debt-194021112.html?page=all
Russell, Baltimore, MD Age: 40
#9940
06/10/13
private mailbox
Hi JJ,
What is your opinion regarding moving one's primary residence to a private mailbox from a small company? (the address will have an apt. number)
Do you see any potential problems that may occur later?
Thank you,
Edgar
Edgar, Schmidt, Oklahoma Age: 35
Hi JJ,
What is your opinion regarding moving one's primary residence to a private mailbox from a small company? (the address will have an apt. number)
Do you see any potential problems that may occur later?
Thank you,
Edgar
Edgar, Schmidt, Oklahoma Age: 35
ANYTHING is better than receiving mail at your home address!
#9939
06/10/13
Vehicle Title, debit card, books
Thanks for your excellent advice. I enjoy reading this site. I have three questions and a comment.
(1)When titling a vehicle in the name of an LLC with a foreign address, have you had problems getting the title mailed to you?
(2) Do they mail it overseas?
(3)Would it be very difficult for a PI to track you if you used a debit card in your name, but did not have a SSN associated with it?
(4) When should your book on invisible banking be available?
The book you recommended, "Hiding from the Internet" works. Recently I was denied a financial service because they could not find me in the non-public databases compiled by Lexis Nexis. A web search of my name in public databases yields nothing.
Which is good. I have had an unstable person(s) using the internet to stalk me seeking to do me harm.
Tom, Yuma, AZ Age: 61
Thanks for your excellent advice. I enjoy reading this site. I have three questions and a comment.
(1)When titling a vehicle in the name of an LLC with a foreign address, have you had problems getting the title mailed to you?
(2) Do they mail it overseas?
(3)Would it be very difficult for a PI to track you if you used a debit card in your name, but did not have a SSN associated with it?
(4) When should your book on invisible banking be available?
The book you recommended, "Hiding from the Internet" works. Recently I was denied a financial service because they could not find me in the non-public databases compiled by Lexis Nexis. A web search of my name in public databases yields nothing.
Which is good. I have had an unstable person(s) using the internet to stalk me seeking to do me harm.
Tom, Yuma, AZ Age: 61
1. No.
2. Yes.
3. Somewhat difficult.
4. Any day now. If you are on my mailing list, you'll get a notice.
2. Yes.
3. Somewhat difficult.
4. Any day now. If you are on my mailing list, you'll get a notice.
#9937
06/08/13
vehicle titleing
Dear jjl,
Back to the "private titleing" agencies, once again. I checked the yellow pages under "vehicle, vehicle titleing, titleing, ect, ect.
Any other ideas about (how to or) what to search for when trying to find out where the "private titleing" agencies are? Need Kentucky, Ohio, or Indiana.
traci, florence, ky Age: 54
Dear jjl,
Back to the "private titleing" agencies, once again. I checked the yellow pages under "vehicle, vehicle titleing, titleing, ect, ect.
Any other ideas about (how to or) what to search for when trying to find out where the "private titleing" agencies are? Need Kentucky, Ohio, or Indiana.
traci, florence, ky Age: 54
Not all states have private agencies. I do not have a list. Use the normal DMV offices if that's all there is in your state.
#9936
06/06/13
Gov't Spying
A quick summary of the news the last two days. A secret NSA program started in 2007 monitors Microsoft, Yahoo, Google, Facebook, PalTalk, AOL, Skype, YouTube and Apple networks. DropBox is "coming soon".
A quick summary of the news the last two days. A secret NSA program started in 2007 monitors Microsoft, Yahoo, Google, Facebook, PalTalk, AOL, Skype, YouTube and Apple networks. DropBox is "coming soon".
Not to be left out, it seems they're also gathering up *all* Verizon call data records under a secret order. Rest assured AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and the other telcoms are also covered by their own secret orders.
Who you call, how long you talk, when you call are all added to what web sites you visit, who you chat/e-mail with, what searches you do and who you friend are all gathered together to create a picture of your life that has more details than even YOU know about yourself.
If you're online or on the air, they are listening and watching.
URL #1: http://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/us-intelligence-mining-data-from-nine-us-internet-companies-in-broad-secret-program/2013/06/06/3a0c0da8-cebf-11e2-8845-d970ccb04497_story.html
#9935
06/05/13
Car Title in LLC
Thank you so much for the advice on privacy for your car. I am in the process of purchasing a car and have an New Mexico LLC now.
My question is can you add your car your existing insurance policy or because the car is in the business name, do you need a new insurance policy (as when I inquired at my DMV they seemed to indicate the insurance and the car title needed to be the same).
Also, in the your case with an LLC per car, do you need a separate insurance policy per car?
Scott, Jamestown, RI Age: 43
Thank you so much for the advice on privacy for your car. I am in the process of purchasing a car and have an New Mexico LLC now.
My question is can you add your car your existing insurance policy or because the car is in the business name, do you need a new insurance policy (as when I inquired at my DMV they seemed to indicate the insurance and the car title needed to be the same).
Also, in the your case with an LLC per car, do you need a separate insurance policy per car?
Scott, Jamestown, RI Age: 43
As I have said many times, just insure in your own name. The Insurance company (State Farm and many others)does not care if you used an LLC or not.
#9933
06/04/13
Register Car in Washington
Hi Mr. Luna,
In your email, today, when talking about being pulled over by a police officer, you stated to register cars in Washington. It's possible I've missed this in previous posts, but I'm wondering your reasoning. I'm asking because, not to long ago, I received a letter from the DMV stating that a private investigator had accessed my vehicle registration. Are there other states that are preferable because access to driver's license and vehicle registration information are more restricted?
Thanks so much!
Kathy, Kirkland, WA Age: 34
Hi Mr. Luna,
In your email, today, when talking about being pulled over by a police officer, you stated to register cars in Washington. It's possible I've missed this in previous posts, but I'm wondering your reasoning. I'm asking because, not to long ago, I received a letter from the DMV stating that a private investigator had accessed my vehicle registration. Are there other states that are preferable because access to driver's license and vehicle registration information are more restricted?
Thanks so much!
Kathy, Kirkland, WA Age: 34
As far as I know, a sharp PI will be able to get the registration info anywhere. My question to is:
Did the registration show your true name and address? If so, do you see where the problem lies?
Did the registration show your true name and address? If so, do you see where the problem lies?
#9927
06/01/13
Response to Response to 9923, 9924, 9926
Thanks, but your offers not really answer my question!
- Roomorama is just a regular vacation rental service - there are dozens on the web - I stated exactly what is my view of them exactly in my post - but to recap; too expensive, near hotel prices are a no-no for long stay, no choice and no reviews (for longer stays) - if I would happen to go that way I just would use TripAdvisor - for short trips only!
- Halldis is the exact same and on top of that it only offers a handful of popular European cities - compared that to most engines that at least works in all - including off the beaten path destinations as well.
What I am looking for is a system, a methodology that I can work with wherever I go, as outlined in my post, thank you.
Jack, London, UK Age: 45
Thanks, but your offers not really answer my question!
- Roomorama is just a regular vacation rental service - there are dozens on the web - I stated exactly what is my view of them exactly in my post - but to recap; too expensive, near hotel prices are a no-no for long stay, no choice and no reviews (for longer stays) - if I would happen to go that way I just would use TripAdvisor - for short trips only!
- Halldis is the exact same and on top of that it only offers a handful of popular European cities - compared that to most engines that at least works in all - including off the beaten path destinations as well.
What I am looking for is a system, a methodology that I can work with wherever I go, as outlined in my post, thank you.
Jack, London, UK Age: 45
#9926
06/01/13
Response to 9920
Roomorama is another choice to consider.
URL #1: https://www.roomorama.com/
Maria, Los Angeles, CA Age: 31
Roomorama is another choice to consider.
URL #1: https://www.roomorama.com/
Maria, Los Angeles, CA Age: 31
#9925
05/31/13
cash
I carry both debit,credit and a cash back-up.In my wallet is a couple of silver quarters and my case has a few 25-35 dollar postal MO's.I have been to a few places that when the electricity went out the cash only signs went up.I am thinking of adding up to 10 books of postal stamps. Ideas?
jack dash, sevierville, tn Age: 46
I carry both debit,credit and a cash back-up.In my wallet is a couple of silver quarters and my case has a few 25-35 dollar postal MO's.I have been to a few places that when the electricity went out the cash only signs went up.I am thinking of adding up to 10 books of postal stamps. Ideas?
jack dash, sevierville, tn Age: 46
Why not just stick to cash?
#9924
05/31/13
Apartment rentals in Europe
Regarding #9920
Halldis will rent up to a year through-out Europe.
URL #1: http://www.Halldis.com
Jim, Chattanooga, TN Age: 49
Regarding #9920
Halldis will rent up to a year through-out Europe.
URL #1: http://www.Halldis.com
Jim, Chattanooga, TN Age: 49
#9923
05/30/13
Short-term apartment rentals
In response to 9920:
This may not be what you had in mind, but you could consider www.caretaker.org and www.caretaker-jobs.com.
Lisa, Chicago, IL Age: 44
In response to 9920:
This may not be what you had in mind, but you could consider www.caretaker.org and www.caretaker-jobs.com.
Lisa, Chicago, IL Age: 44
#9921
05/28/13
Virtual assistant or (credit card) concierge?
As I did a quick search on your site and haven't found any hit for these words I ask:
Do you use or recommend a (credit card) concierge or virtual assistant for personal/business use? It's quite a hot topic nowadays.
I guess selecting a virtual assistant might slightly differ from selecting a nominee. Or ideally you can find both a nominee and an assistant in the same person?
No more questions for today. Thank you.
Jack, London, UK Age: 45
As I did a quick search on your site and haven't found any hit for these words I ask:
Do you use or recommend a (credit card) concierge or virtual assistant for personal/business use? It's quite a hot topic nowadays.
I guess selecting a virtual assistant might slightly differ from selecting a nominee. Or ideally you can find both a nominee and an assistant in the same person?
No more questions for today. Thank you.
Jack, London, UK Age: 45
I am not familiar with a "(credit card) concierge" and do not use any virtual assistants. I think most are highly overrated.
#9920
05/28/13
Short term (1-3 month) apartment rentals?
I ask this question both from you and your knowledgeable readers.
What is the best way to rent for 1-3 months internationally - for a location independent lifestyle?
The obvious choice would be the usual vacation rentals but there are two problems with this approach:
- They are mostly used for 3 days to 2 weeks rent and it is simply impossible to rent them out for that long because of prebookings by other people.
- You may just don't want to pay nearly hotel prices for the whole whole year - that's a lot of money! Assume that you want to travel overseas - RVing is out of the question.
Your other option would be Century 21, Remax and their local equivalents - as real estate agencies dominate some 95% of the markets and you want to have choice, right? But there is a conflict of interest: even if the owner would be willing to lend you for short term - until he finds someone to lease or sell to - the agent is commissioned for just that: to only deal with potential buyers or long term leases.
So you might need a hack to bypass the agent but still have access to the choice of the agent can offer.
As there is no dedicated market for 1-3 month rentals, only for a few days to 2 weeks on one side (high prices) and leases from 6 months to 1 year minimum on the other (reasonable prices), ideally you will pay something in between for a duration between the two.
The question is, how to find and negotiate the place?
Jack, London, UK Age: 45
I ask this question both from you and your knowledgeable readers.
What is the best way to rent for 1-3 months internationally - for a location independent lifestyle?
The obvious choice would be the usual vacation rentals but there are two problems with this approach:
- They are mostly used for 3 days to 2 weeks rent and it is simply impossible to rent them out for that long because of prebookings by other people.
- You may just don't want to pay nearly hotel prices for the whole whole year - that's a lot of money! Assume that you want to travel overseas - RVing is out of the question.
Your other option would be Century 21, Remax and their local equivalents - as real estate agencies dominate some 95% of the markets and you want to have choice, right? But there is a conflict of interest: even if the owner would be willing to lend you for short term - until he finds someone to lease or sell to - the agent is commissioned for just that: to only deal with potential buyers or long term leases.
So you might need a hack to bypass the agent but still have access to the choice of the agent can offer.
As there is no dedicated market for 1-3 month rentals, only for a few days to 2 weeks on one side (high prices) and leases from 6 months to 1 year minimum on the other (reasonable prices), ideally you will pay something in between for a duration between the two.
The question is, how to find and negotiate the place?
Jack, London, UK Age: 45
#9919
05/28/13
Travel Money
Jack, you recommend to always take some $1000 in cash with you. Sounds sensible at first but if you travel abroad to more interesting places you may not want to have more than $20 on your person. 1st think of plain old robbery or a more sophisticated scam. Yes, you should take your due diligence always, but it is possible to cross the line between being friendly with locals (heck, you are on a holiday, you might want to mingle a little - sure, you should always take care!) and being scammed.
In this case you recommend storing the cash in the hotel safe? Not all hotels have them and may still not be the wisest idea depending on where you are. Travelers Cheques are simply not accepted in many parts of the world anymore.
My best recommendation would still be various debit bank cards for back up, some on your person/some in your hotel, the distribution depending on your destination, while setting the ATM limit low and only raise it when you know you want to take out cash (you can arrange for it via the phone as well, I know you don't do Internet banking).
There are also so called travel prepaid cards such as Travelex which are replaced fast if lost or stolen or you can send yourself a Western Union transfer online via a spare card you don't carry but you know it's number only - have the card numbers in an encrypted file.
So all in all, you might not want to take that much cash with you, of course it depends on where yo plan to go. Your take?
Note: I just see Travelex do not sell the Cash Passport card in the USA anymore, but sure you have many alternatives as well. It's a big country.
Jack, London, UK Age: 45
Jack, you recommend to always take some $1000 in cash with you. Sounds sensible at first but if you travel abroad to more interesting places you may not want to have more than $20 on your person. 1st think of plain old robbery or a more sophisticated scam. Yes, you should take your due diligence always, but it is possible to cross the line between being friendly with locals (heck, you are on a holiday, you might want to mingle a little - sure, you should always take care!) and being scammed.
In this case you recommend storing the cash in the hotel safe? Not all hotels have them and may still not be the wisest idea depending on where you are. Travelers Cheques are simply not accepted in many parts of the world anymore.
My best recommendation would still be various debit bank cards for back up, some on your person/some in your hotel, the distribution depending on your destination, while setting the ATM limit low and only raise it when you know you want to take out cash (you can arrange for it via the phone as well, I know you don't do Internet banking).
There are also so called travel prepaid cards such as Travelex which are replaced fast if lost or stolen or you can send yourself a Western Union transfer online via a spare card you don't carry but you know it's number only - have the card numbers in an encrypted file.
So all in all, you might not want to take that much cash with you, of course it depends on where yo plan to go. Your take?
Note: I just see Travelex do not sell the Cash Passport card in the USA anymore, but sure you have many alternatives as well. It's a big country.
Jack, London, UK Age: 45
You do it your way, I'll do it mine. :)
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