#1860
05/03/07
US Passport
The application for a US passport asks for alot of personal information such as occupation, employer, work and home telephone numbers, marital status, wife's name or if divorced ex-wife's name, date of most recent marriage, mother and fathers dates of birth, emergency contact information, etc. I can prove who I am but what, if any, of this privacy invading information can I leave out and still get a passport? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Joe, , Age: 37
The application for a US passport asks for alot of personal information such as occupation, employer, work and home telephone numbers, marital status, wife's name or if divorced ex-wife's name, date of most recent marriage, mother and fathers dates of birth, emergency contact information, etc. I can prove who I am but what, if any, of this privacy invading information can I leave out and still get a passport? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Joe, , Age: 37
IMHO, it should be completely and accurately filled out. Any reader who has a contrary opinion is invited to comment.
#1858
05/02/07
Online anonymity
RE: Ugly Truth About Online Anonymity ~ Thanks for that link, great material there! Just to establish how difficult it is to remain anonymous on the web - I use a SSH Tunnel for work (server file uploads, etc.) and know for an absolute fact that the traffic and/or my surfing is being monitored when using the SSH tunnel (which is supposed to be anonymous and "no logs"), as I "check" a domain name of ours that gets zero traffic and less than twelve hours later, I see a familiar IP address (rather, a particular location sequence and same ISP) checking it out (a "type-in" on a traffic-less domain is a wonderful "gotcha" - you know for certain, especially if you see this happening regularly and you just use a good stats program and look at the data quickly and easily). It could be a key logger you say, but the harddrive is reformatted monthly. It freaked me out for a long time, now I just laugh and giggle, like ya right, my surfing on the SSH Tunnel is now only used for server work, nothing else, ha ha government... Most of the laughter is simply due to the fact that my surfing/work stuff is not going to uncover anything all that useful, slightly useful, different and unique, sure ya, but not illegal, not ever. Anyway, another oddity is that my SSH Tunnel account can be expired for months and still work - and I wonder if this is intended or not - what company/entity would give you free service like that, unless the government does it or pays for it so that they/it can continue to monitor your surfing - ???
Melani, , Age: 35
RE: Ugly Truth About Online Anonymity ~ Thanks for that link, great material there! Just to establish how difficult it is to remain anonymous on the web - I use a SSH Tunnel for work (server file uploads, etc.) and know for an absolute fact that the traffic and/or my surfing is being monitored when using the SSH tunnel (which is supposed to be anonymous and "no logs"), as I "check" a domain name of ours that gets zero traffic and less than twelve hours later, I see a familiar IP address (rather, a particular location sequence and same ISP) checking it out (a "type-in" on a traffic-less domain is a wonderful "gotcha" - you know for certain, especially if you see this happening regularly and you just use a good stats program and look at the data quickly and easily). It could be a key logger you say, but the harddrive is reformatted monthly. It freaked me out for a long time, now I just laugh and giggle, like ya right, my surfing on the SSH Tunnel is now only used for server work, nothing else, ha ha government... Most of the laughter is simply due to the fact that my surfing/work stuff is not going to uncover anything all that useful, slightly useful, different and unique, sure ya, but not illegal, not ever. Anyway, another oddity is that my SSH Tunnel account can be expired for months and still work - and I wonder if this is intended or not - what company/entity would give you free service like that, unless the government does it or pays for it so that they/it can continue to monitor your surfing - ???
Melani, , Age: 35
#1857
05/02/07
response to Kate
They probably just want to make sure you have the funds to close. This is normal in the real estate business. I wouldn't worry about much as your statement you provide will just go in some file never to be seen again. Hope this helps.
Blake, , Age: 27
They probably just want to make sure you have the funds to close. This is normal in the real estate business. I wouldn't worry about much as your statement you provide will just go in some file never to be seen again. Hope this helps.
Blake, , Age: 27
#1855
05/02/07
Seller wants proof of cash
Why would Citifinancial want a letter from my bank stating I have the funds available to buy a piece of property from them for cash? It is a foreclosure they own for less than $40,000. Love your books and try to follow everything. This is an invasion of privacy isn't it? I really want this property but a cash deal is no longer private. I have my NM LLC to buy with also.
Kate, , Age: 39
Why would Citifinancial want a letter from my bank stating I have the funds available to buy a piece of property from them for cash? It is a foreclosure they own for less than $40,000. Love your books and try to follow everything. This is an invasion of privacy isn't it? I really want this property but a cash deal is no longer private. I have my NM LLC to buy with also.
Kate, , Age: 39
[See "Blake," above.]
#1854
05/02/07
The Best Reason Yet For Hiding Your Assets
This country has gone insane with lawsuits. A judge is suing a cleaners for $67 milion because they lost his pants!
URL #1: http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=3119381&page=1
Alan G., , Age: 42
This country has gone insane with lawsuits. A judge is suing a cleaners for $67 milion because they lost his pants!
URL #1: http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=3119381&page=1
Alan G., , Age: 42
#1853
05/02/07
Ugly Truth About Online Anonymity
Fascinating article on the difficulties / impossibilities of online privacy, covering such matters as the pitfalls of Tor and anonymous surfing services (see link below).
URL #1: http://cryptogon.com/?p=624
Jonathan, , Age: 35
Fascinating article on the difficulties / impossibilities of online privacy, covering such matters as the pitfalls of Tor and anonymous surfing services (see link below).
URL #1: http://cryptogon.com/?p=624
Jonathan, , Age: 35
Thanks, Jonathan! From the beginning I have avoided Tor, proxies, and all the other schemes for anonymous web surfing, and so I was pleased to read the author's comments that back that up. The Crytogon article is highly recommended.
#1852
05/01/07
Investment for Child Reply
The biggest problem Lauren of Sacramento, CA has in handling her daughter's money is NOT what to do with it but HOW to do it. See the item earlier about the lottery winner who gave his grand-daughter a large allowance. Care must be given to assure she will not control the money until she is quite mature. A spendthrift provision is manditory to protect the money from creditor attack. Set up money so it not the 800 pound gorilla in the room. Pay the taxes, take the slower growth of the money: pay attention to the daughter, take her fron being a infant to being sapient [having great wisdom and discernment.] Money is fungible commodity: daughters are not. Study the options very well before making choises.
Everett, , Age: 65
The biggest problem Lauren of Sacramento, CA has in handling her daughter's money is NOT what to do with it but HOW to do it. See the item earlier about the lottery winner who gave his grand-daughter a large allowance. Care must be given to assure she will not control the money until she is quite mature. A spendthrift provision is manditory to protect the money from creditor attack. Set up money so it not the 800 pound gorilla in the room. Pay the taxes, take the slower growth of the money: pay attention to the daughter, take her fron being a infant to being sapient [having great wisdom and discernment.] Money is fungible commodity: daughters are not. Study the options very well before making choises.
Everett, , Age: 65
#1851
05/01/07
Lauren from Sacramento
Lauren, in addition to all the good info in the JJL books...If I were you, I would ask myself: If I should happen to die before my daughter turns 18, who would end up overseeing this money? If the answer makes you nervous, you should see a really good attorney who does estate planning. Sacramento should have some excellent ones. Based on my good/bad experiences with attornies, I would suggest trying a medium to large firm with an attorney who specializes in planning business succession for family-owned small businesses. Visit a few in person (first visit, to meet and discuss, should be free) and if you don't get a strong positive feeling from the meeting, keep walking.
When you've found someone who 'gets it", then you can bring up invisibility techniques. I have found that good attorneys, even if they haven't used the techniques Mr. Luna suggests themselves, will immediately understand them. If they're confused, keep walking.
Paul, , Age: 52
Lauren, in addition to all the good info in the JJL books...If I were you, I would ask myself: If I should happen to die before my daughter turns 18, who would end up overseeing this money? If the answer makes you nervous, you should see a really good attorney who does estate planning. Sacramento should have some excellent ones. Based on my good/bad experiences with attornies, I would suggest trying a medium to large firm with an attorney who specializes in planning business succession for family-owned small businesses. Visit a few in person (first visit, to meet and discuss, should be free) and if you don't get a strong positive feeling from the meeting, keep walking.
When you've found someone who 'gets it", then you can bring up invisibility techniques. I have found that good attorneys, even if they haven't used the techniques Mr. Luna suggests themselves, will immediately understand them. If they're confused, keep walking.
Paul, , Age: 52
#1849
04/30/07
Investment for Child
Hi J.J.,
My 4 year old will be receiving a large civil payment later this year and I am trying to figure out the best strategy for her money. An UTMA or 529 are okay, but wouldn't it be wiser to put the money toward real estate or income earning property through HER LLC. Do you have any thoughts?
Thanks, Lauren
Lauren, , Age: 41
Hi J.J.,
My 4 year old will be receiving a large civil payment later this year and I am trying to figure out the best strategy for her money. An UTMA or 529 are okay, but wouldn't it be wiser to put the money toward real estate or income earning property through HER LLC. Do you have any thoughts?
Thanks, Lauren
Lauren, , Age: 41
Other than my advice in the "Invisible Money" eBook on how to earn 12 percent a year on real estate loans, I have no suggestions. (I don't understand your comment about "HER LLC".)
#1848
04/29/07
WIreless Network security
For those of us that use a wireless network for internet access. Here is an article on easy it is to break into those networks (even if you have WEP encryption) .
http://www.grc.com/SecurityNow.htm#89
.Hope this helps someone. I personally only use a wired network in my home.
Will
URL #1: http://www.grc.com/SecurityNow.htm#89
Will, , Age: 42
For those of us that use a wireless network for internet access. Here is an article on easy it is to break into those networks (even if you have WEP encryption) .
http://www.grc.com/SecurityNow.htm#89
.Hope this helps someone. I personally only use a wired network in my home.
Will
URL #1: http://www.grc.com/SecurityNow.htm#89
Will, , Age: 42
#1846
04/29/07
Smart Chip SIM Cards
Are the new Smart Chip SIM card bad news? I just received a notice from my cellular provider that I need to pick it up or I may have interupption in service. I did not want to 'switch' by buying a pre-paid phone because I like my phone number & I have a lot of rollover minutes. But I do not want to be monitored more by who ever wants to do more of that kind of thing if that is what the new Smart Chip is for. I am guessing that the so-called smart chip is on the same idea as the kind of thing they want to put in our passports as well. Would you recommend picking it up or switching to a pre-paid? Or is it something to be concerned about? thanks for your information and assistance.
Gail, , Age: 57
Are the new Smart Chip SIM card bad news? I just received a notice from my cellular provider that I need to pick it up or I may have interupption in service. I did not want to 'switch' by buying a pre-paid phone because I like my phone number & I have a lot of rollover minutes. But I do not want to be monitored more by who ever wants to do more of that kind of thing if that is what the new Smart Chip is for. I am guessing that the so-called smart chip is on the same idea as the kind of thing they want to put in our passports as well. Would you recommend picking it up or switching to a pre-paid? Or is it something to be concerned about? thanks for your information and assistance.
Gail, , Age: 57
I am not knowledgeable when it comes to Smart Chip SIM Cards but perhaps some reader can help.
#1844
04/28/07
LLC's DMV FL
[Edited for length.] After reading "How to be Invisible," I was not sure if it would behoove me to use the LLC procedures (outlined in the book) to title a vehicle that I just paid off. [YES, BUT YOU WILL THEN HAVE TO PAY SALES TAX AGAIN.] ... Also I am interested to hear how things turn out for Mike trying to use the LLC at the FL DMV. If things have changed as Mike suggested, could you recommend any alternate game plans regarding registering a vehicle with the DMV in FL? [I AM NOT UP ON FLORIDA REQUIREMENTS, SO WE WILL HAVE TO DEPEND UPON FLORIDA READERS TO HELP OUT.] You mentioned in your book using a private licensing bureau. Maybe this would be the key to a smooth experience? [VERY POSSIBLY!] Thank you for your time and all your excellent information.
Scott, , Age: 36
[Edited for length.] After reading "How to be Invisible," I was not sure if it would behoove me to use the LLC procedures (outlined in the book) to title a vehicle that I just paid off. [YES, BUT YOU WILL THEN HAVE TO PAY SALES TAX AGAIN.] ... Also I am interested to hear how things turn out for Mike trying to use the LLC at the FL DMV. If things have changed as Mike suggested, could you recommend any alternate game plans regarding registering a vehicle with the DMV in FL? [I AM NOT UP ON FLORIDA REQUIREMENTS, SO WE WILL HAVE TO DEPEND UPON FLORIDA READERS TO HELP OUT.] You mentioned in your book using a private licensing bureau. Maybe this would be the key to a smooth experience? [VERY POSSIBLY!] Thank you for your time and all your excellent information.
Scott, , Age: 36
(My comments are in brackets, all caps, above.)
#1843
04/27/07
Re: Mark and Pre-paid CC
Mark in Toronto: The nearest Simon Mall to you is Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood, NY, just west of Jamestown. The Simon Card is the most anonymous of them all - it's a pre-loaded gift card up in any amount from $20 to $500 I believe. It functions just as any Visa credit card does. Use it in restaurants, online, wherever. The Pre-paid cards you pay for are rip-offs, imo. I realize it is some distance from you, but maybe you could stock up with several cards loaded with different amounts. You can just walk up to the Guest Services at the mall and buy these with cash - no ID, signature or anything else required. I highly recommend them. I have included a link to the mall in Lakewood.
URL #1: http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=156
Mark, , Age: 45
Mark in Toronto: The nearest Simon Mall to you is Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood, NY, just west of Jamestown. The Simon Card is the most anonymous of them all - it's a pre-loaded gift card up in any amount from $20 to $500 I believe. It functions just as any Visa credit card does. Use it in restaurants, online, wherever. The Pre-paid cards you pay for are rip-offs, imo. I realize it is some distance from you, but maybe you could stock up with several cards loaded with different amounts. You can just walk up to the Guest Services at the mall and buy these with cash - no ID, signature or anything else required. I highly recommend them. I have included a link to the mall in Lakewood.
URL #1: http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=156
Mark, , Age: 45
#1842
04/27/07
Password?
I read your book and on page 271 it mentions entering a password to view updated information after this book went to press. I can not locate this section on your website.
Can you help me with this?
nenee, , Age: 56
I read your book and on page 271 it mentions entering a password to view updated information after this book went to press. I can not locate this section on your website.
Can you help me with this?
nenee, , Age: 56
So far, the book does not need a serious update. If, in future years, it does, I will add this feature. Meanwhile, I answer many general questions on this web page.
#1841
04/27/07
Canary Islands mail forwarding
Could your forwarding service also be used for my LLC-owned land, to forward two letters per year from the county treasurer (my assesment and tax statement)?
Paul, , Age: 52
Could your forwarding service also be used for my LLC-owned land, to forward two letters per year from the county treasurer (my assesment and tax statement)?
Paul, , Age: 52
Yes, the special order price is available for anyone who expects to receive just one or two letters a year, from either a DMV or from a country treaurer.
#1840
04/27/07
Prepaid credit card
I need a credit card to buy some services. they do not take cash. Must be cc or pay pal. I prefer location near Buffalo NY please.
mike, , Age: 47
I need a credit card to buy some services. they do not take cash. Must be cc or pay pal. I prefer location near Buffalo NY please.
mike, , Age: 47
I am not a fan of prepaid credit cards but perhaps some reader can help.
#1839
04/27/07
Prepaid Wireless
In addition to privacy benefits, here is another reason to consider a prepaid wireless phone.
URL #1: http://finance.yahoo.com/expert/article/millionaire/30108
Joe, , Age: 35
In addition to privacy benefits, here is another reason to consider a prepaid wireless phone.
URL #1: http://finance.yahoo.com/expert/article/millionaire/30108
Joe, , Age: 35
#1836
04/26/07
High Cost of College
More support for kids to reconsider going to college.
http://bullnotbull.com/archive/dow13k-1.html
URL #1: http://bullnotbull.com/archive/dow13k-1.html
Dean, , Age: 52
More support for kids to reconsider going to college.
http://bullnotbull.com/archive/dow13k-1.html
URL #1: http://bullnotbull.com/archive/dow13k-1.html
Dean, , Age: 52
#1835
04/26/07
Florida DMV LLC
Steve: Thanks for the comeback. I already have one vehicle in a LLC here in Florida (licensed approximately 1 1/2 yers ago), so I don't think I aroused anyone's attention when I went in to the DMV. Another friend of mine ran into the same thing in South Florida recently. It apparently is a new DMV regulation and not a state law. The main problem that I see is not the occupational license (I could use a nominee), but the Federal ID # and whether they want to copy the LLC or not. I know of a County close by that does not require occupational licenses. I am going to attempt it there and see what transpires. Anyone else with a little help?
Mike, , Age: 55
Steve: Thanks for the comeback. I already have one vehicle in a LLC here in Florida (licensed approximately 1 1/2 yers ago), so I don't think I aroused anyone's attention when I went in to the DMV. Another friend of mine ran into the same thing in South Florida recently. It apparently is a new DMV regulation and not a state law. The main problem that I see is not the occupational license (I could use a nominee), but the Federal ID # and whether they want to copy the LLC or not. I know of a County close by that does not require occupational licenses. I am going to attempt it there and see what transpires. Anyone else with a little help?
Mike, , Age: 55
#1833
04/26/07
Might apply to border crossing?
Here is a straight A student who was arrested because of what he wrote in an essay in school:
URL #1: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003681580_essay26.html
Malcom, , Age: 31
Here is a straight A student who was arrested because of what he wrote in an essay in school:
URL #1: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003681580_essay26.html
Malcom, , Age: 31
I thought that I had heard it all, Malcom, but this is a new low in public hysteria!
#1832
04/26/07
RE: Land border crossing incident
I would like to further add that if you put ANYTHING conterversal (not necessarily illegal) on the internet to do it under an alternate name ONLY. Never use your real name. Also periodically run your names (real and alternate) through google and other search engines to see what pops up. People who seem to share my names include a South African bishop, a latin basketball star, and a russian businessman (none of them me but nothing suspicious either). It would be the epitome of irony if I crossed the border the customs agent ran my name and then asked for my autograph! :-)
Daniel, , Age: 34
I would like to further add that if you put ANYTHING conterversal (not necessarily illegal) on the internet to do it under an alternate name ONLY. Never use your real name. Also periodically run your names (real and alternate) through google and other search engines to see what pops up. People who seem to share my names include a South African bishop, a latin basketball star, and a russian businessman (none of them me but nothing suspicious either). It would be the epitome of irony if I crossed the border the customs agent ran my name and then asked for my autograph! :-)
Daniel, , Age: 34
#1831
04/25/07
Texas phones
For Mark in Texas - RE: Texas phones.
To purchase OTC cell phones I think I will try Mr Luna's suggestion in HTBI for purchasing pagers by having some student or other nominee purchase the 5 phones and keep one for their effort.
Any suggestions?
Joe , , Age: 54
For Mark in Texas - RE: Texas phones.
To purchase OTC cell phones I think I will try Mr Luna's suggestion in HTBI for purchasing pagers by having some student or other nominee purchase the 5 phones and keep one for their effort.
Any suggestions?
Joe , , Age: 54
#1830
04/25/07
US Land Border Crossing Incident
There was a very interesting article in today's Toronto Globe and Mail. It seems Canadians are being stopped at the border while internet searches are being performed on them. Scary stuff.
URL #1: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070425.BCLSD25/TPStory/?query=LSD
Mark, , Age: 32
There was a very interesting article in today's Toronto Globe and Mail. It seems Canadians are being stopped at the border while internet searches are being performed on them. Scary stuff.
URL #1: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070425.BCLSD25/TPStory/?query=LSD
Mark, , Age: 32
Here is a short quote from the long article:
"Don't ever put anything about any illegal activity on the Internet," Mr. Oscapella warned yesterday. "It leaves a digital footprint for all to see, and it's there forever."
"Don't ever put anything about any illegal activity on the Internet," Mr. Oscapella warned yesterday. "It leaves a digital footprint for all to see, and it's there forever."
#1829
04/25/07
Fund Transfer
[Edited for length] I bought your revised and updated edition of How To Be Invisible book, and just finished reading it. very insightful book, and easy to undrestand and to follow. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us law abiding citizens. I particulary appreciate the fact that all your advices and recommendations were sounds, practical, and within the law.
Question:
I currently have funds in a US bank account. But I am intrested to open a bank account outside of US as well. How do you recommend I legally do this ...?
christopher, , Age: 45
[Edited for length] I bought your revised and updated edition of How To Be Invisible book, and just finished reading it. very insightful book, and easy to undrestand and to follow. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us law abiding citizens. I particulary appreciate the fact that all your advices and recommendations were sounds, practical, and within the law.
Question:
I currently have funds in a US bank account. But I am intrested to open a bank account outside of US as well. How do you recommend I legally do this ...?
christopher, , Age: 45
The answer to the above question, as well as your other questions, is answered in my e-book "Invisible Money."
#1828
04/25/07
Mike in Pensacola/DMV
Mike, it may be a long way from you but Marion County in Florida does not require an Occupational license for any business. You should be able to sucessfully argue that an FLorida law does not require an Occupational License to register a vehicle. I have sucessfully registered cars there in an LLC without Articles or FEIN. The key is to walk in and act like you do this all the time. I have also used a title agent that I know at dealership, she did it for me on the side without running through dealership. She used her connections at the DMV and got it done without compromising my identity (she was effectively my nominee and I trust her implicitly), do not use anyone from a dealership unless you know them personally and trust that they will not to use the dealership to register the vehicle. They should use their contacts but DO NOT let them run it through the dealership.
Steve, , Age: 36
Mike, it may be a long way from you but Marion County in Florida does not require an Occupational license for any business. You should be able to sucessfully argue that an FLorida law does not require an Occupational License to register a vehicle. I have sucessfully registered cars there in an LLC without Articles or FEIN. The key is to walk in and act like you do this all the time. I have also used a title agent that I know at dealership, she did it for me on the side without running through dealership. She used her connections at the DMV and got it done without compromising my identity (she was effectively my nominee and I trust her implicitly), do not use anyone from a dealership unless you know them personally and trust that they will not to use the dealership to register the vehicle. They should use their contacts but DO NOT let them run it through the dealership.
Steve, , Age: 36
(I underlined the vital part of the above message.)
#1827
04/25/07
withdrawing cash
In regard to Johan and his "nervous" bank: I am continually amazed that law-abiding citizens fear large withdrawals from their bank. Since reading the first edition of HTBI in 2002 I have lived a cash based life. My bank is not nervous, nor am I.
tom, , Age: 42
In regard to Johan and his "nervous" bank: I am continually amazed that law-abiding citizens fear large withdrawals from their bank. Since reading the first edition of HTBI in 2002 I have lived a cash based life. My bank is not nervous, nor am I.
tom, , Age: 42
#1824
04/25/07
Re: Disk Encryption/Jason, 35, Denver, CO
Assuming you are on a Windows operating system, the best full hard drive encryption software is SecurStar's DriveCrypt Plus Pack. It encrypts your entire hard drive including the boot partition. That means it is impossible to start your OS or read any data from the hard drive without first entering the correct password. Another nice feature about this software is that you can set it up so that when the computer boots, it displays a message like "Hard drive failure...No operating system installed." There is no cursor and no visible prompt to enter a password. You simply type in the correct password and press enter to boot your OS. If an unauthorized person using your computer saw the message, they would probably (hopefully) assume your hard drive was simply corrupted.
URL #1: http://www.securstar.com/s_products.php
travis, , Age: 25
Assuming you are on a Windows operating system, the best full hard drive encryption software is SecurStar's DriveCrypt Plus Pack. It encrypts your entire hard drive including the boot partition. That means it is impossible to start your OS or read any data from the hard drive without first entering the correct password. Another nice feature about this software is that you can set it up so that when the computer boots, it displays a message like "Hard drive failure...No operating system installed." There is no cursor and no visible prompt to enter a password. You simply type in the correct password and press enter to boot your OS. If an unauthorized person using your computer saw the message, they would probably (hopefully) assume your hard drive was simply corrupted.
URL #1: http://www.securstar.com/s_products.php
travis, , Age: 25
Comment from Michael Spaulding:
... "I have heard that is a good product, but there are several products out
there. No matter the product, the installation and use is the key. If
either of these are done poorly, no matter how good the product is, the
best privacy cannot be achieved."
... "I have heard that is a good product, but there are several products out
there. No matter the product, the installation and use is the key. If
either of these are done poorly, no matter how good the product is, the
best privacy cannot be achieved."
#1823
04/25/07
Success at Virginia DMV
Got a DL using my ghost address in VA. I read HTBI several months ago and been planing this "sceme" since. I just retired from the military and I decided to take a month off work and claimed I was "actively" seeking employment. I filed for unemployment using my ghost address over the phone (no questions asked). I then used a unemployment pay stub as verification for an address at DMV.
This can be done if you have enough money in the bank to live off for a couple weeks.
Steve, , Age: 39
Got a DL using my ghost address in VA. I read HTBI several months ago and been planing this "sceme" since. I just retired from the military and I decided to take a month off work and claimed I was "actively" seeking employment. I filed for unemployment using my ghost address over the phone (no questions asked). I then used a unemployment pay stub as verification for an address at DMV.
This can be done if you have enough money in the bank to live off for a couple weeks.
Steve, , Age: 39
Interesting solution, Steve!
#1822
04/25/07
Close your bank accounts - They are all connected together
Hi all, close your bank accounts for real, for good, they are all completely connected together. I had an issue with a direct deposit not going into the bank account I had expected it to and indeed it was formally sent to. Found out that somehow someone something routed the money to a DIFFERENT ACCOUNT AT A DIFFERENT BANK. The bank it was supposed go into, on one of the calls, the rep accidently referenced the LLC bank account when I was talking about the personal account. The irony is that I only use the personal account for ONE deposit, rental house related, the LLC account is only used for deposits, never use checks or pay from that account, cash comes out and things get paid. WOW. You have no control over your money. NONE. ZILCH. One bank account can somehow get the FULL DEPOSIT that another bank and account was supposed to have gotten. BEYOND WEIRD. I recommend not even using banks for the very minor uses I use them for.
Nicole, , Age: 35
Hi all, close your bank accounts for real, for good, they are all completely connected together. I had an issue with a direct deposit not going into the bank account I had expected it to and indeed it was formally sent to. Found out that somehow someone something routed the money to a DIFFERENT ACCOUNT AT A DIFFERENT BANK. The bank it was supposed go into, on one of the calls, the rep accidently referenced the LLC bank account when I was talking about the personal account. The irony is that I only use the personal account for ONE deposit, rental house related, the LLC account is only used for deposits, never use checks or pay from that account, cash comes out and things get paid. WOW. You have no control over your money. NONE. ZILCH. One bank account can somehow get the FULL DEPOSIT that another bank and account was supposed to have gotten. BEYOND WEIRD. I recommend not even using banks for the very minor uses I use them for.
Nicole, , Age: 35
Although I am posting your message, Nicole, I disagree with you about not having ANY bank account. I hate to keep mentioning the "Invisible Money" report but I get a number of questions from readers who have obviously not yet read it ... and should!
#1820
04/24/07
Cash
Responding to Johan, New Yorks'question about ATM withdrawals. I use this technique myself. My advantage is that I am a member of USAA\- which can be found at usaa.com - it is for military memmbers - and their families - and they REIMBURSE YOU FOR EVERY ATM CHARGE. If you have any close relatives in the military, you may qualify - or other readers may know of other banking systems that reimburse you for all ATM fees. Also, the comedian Chris Rock, has a funny routine about anyone withdrawing cash from an ATM after 1 AM\- he says, "Look, man, a ##$%%^^ cop should just pop up on the ATM screen and arrest you - I mean who the #$$%$$ is withdrawing $400 at 3am? They are either using it for crack or hookers!" Funny.
David, , Age: 42
Responding to Johan, New Yorks'question about ATM withdrawals. I use this technique myself. My advantage is that I am a member of USAA\- which can be found at usaa.com - it is for military memmbers - and their families - and they REIMBURSE YOU FOR EVERY ATM CHARGE. If you have any close relatives in the military, you may qualify - or other readers may know of other banking systems that reimburse you for all ATM fees. Also, the comedian Chris Rock, has a funny routine about anyone withdrawing cash from an ATM after 1 AM\- he says, "Look, man, a ##$%%^^ cop should just pop up on the ATM screen and arrest you - I mean who the #$$%$$ is withdrawing $400 at 3am? They are either using it for crack or hookers!" Funny.
David, , Age: 42
#1819
04/24/07
Someone has plagiarized HTBI
I thought you might want to know that a company [name deleted] has plagiarized parts of your book that pertain to New Mexico LLCs. I learned of their company while searching on another topic, but when I clicked on a link to their website, I noticed that they had a section on NM LLCs. When I read "their" document, it was clear that they had reprinted your exact words. They have also plagiarized at least one other book that I know of.
URL #1: http://www.luminary.com/6901.html
Jodi, , Age: 29
I thought you might want to know that a company [name deleted] has plagiarized parts of your book that pertain to New Mexico LLCs. I learned of their company while searching on another topic, but when I clicked on a link to their website, I noticed that they had a section on NM LLCs. When I read "their" document, it was clear that they had reprinted your exact words. They have also plagiarized at least one other book that I know of.
URL #1: http://www.luminary.com/6901.html
Jodi, , Age: 29
Thanks, Jodi, I'll pass this on to the legal department at St. Martin's Press. This is not the first instance of having someone copy my information on NM LLCs, but SMP's lawyers are pretty good at sorting things out.
#1818
04/24/07
Re: Disk Encryption/Jason, 35, Denver, CO
Full (or in this case full except for the small and rarely (if ever) edited boot partition) disk encryption is relatively easy to do under certain operating systems, and relatively difficult to do under others. So, my question to you is two-fold:
... 1) What operating system are you currently running?
... 2) How willing are you to switch?
Elliott, , Age: 19
Full (or in this case full except for the small and rarely (if ever) edited boot partition) disk encryption is relatively easy to do under certain operating systems, and relatively difficult to do under others. So, my question to you is two-fold:
... 1) What operating system are you currently running?
... 2) How willing are you to switch?
Elliott, , Age: 19
#1817
04/24/07
Cell phone security
Just wanted to share this article with everyone. Another reason to get a no-contract cell phone.
http://finance.yahoo.com/expert/article/millionaire/30108
URL #1: http://finance.yahoo.com/expert/article/millionaire/30108
John, , Age: 30
Just wanted to share this article with everyone. Another reason to get a no-contract cell phone.
http://finance.yahoo.com/expert/article/millionaire/30108
URL #1: http://finance.yahoo.com/expert/article/millionaire/30108
John, , Age: 30
#1816
04/24/07
Disk Encryption
I need a way to encrypt my hard drive, but I don't trust the PGP freeware on the internet. Is there a better way to protect your data than PGPdisk?
Jason, , Age: 35
I need a way to encrypt my hard drive, but I don't trust the PGP freeware on the internet. Is there a better way to protect your data than PGPdisk?
Jason, , Age: 35
I will leave this for readers to comment.
#1813
04/24/07
Cash Based Life
This is in response to
Johan Apr 24, 2007: To cash the checks use your passport and a debit card. If they ask for your DL, say you never use it for ID. As for the finger print, press down and turn it so as smudge it a little w/out giving away that you are. The only other method would be to open up an account at the bank where the checks are drawn making it easier. Having your checks deposited at your own bank is a good idea, you can go in and use one of their withdrawl slips, never one of your checks. Read his book HTBI, MR. Luna gives the correct answer as to what to do in your situation. Keep the small state bank though.
Hugh, , Age: 52
This is in response to
Johan Apr 24, 2007: To cash the checks use your passport and a debit card. If they ask for your DL, say you never use it for ID. As for the finger print, press down and turn it so as smudge it a little w/out giving away that you are. The only other method would be to open up an account at the bank where the checks are drawn making it easier. Having your checks deposited at your own bank is a good idea, you can go in and use one of their withdrawl slips, never one of your checks. Read his book HTBI, MR. Luna gives the correct answer as to what to do in your situation. Keep the small state bank though.
Hugh, , Age: 52
#1812
04/24/07
Re: Johan & Cash
Direct deposit as you said, and use a debit card for purchases. Most stores let you get extra cash back at no charge to you; Wal-Mart allows up to $100 per transaction.
You might run up against daily withdrawal limits, which are typically set at $400, but your bank may allow that to be adjusted.
Steve, , Age: 44
Direct deposit as you said, and use a debit card for purchases. Most stores let you get extra cash back at no charge to you; Wal-Mart allows up to $100 per transaction.
You might run up against daily withdrawal limits, which are typically set at $400, but your bank may allow that to be adjusted.
Steve, , Age: 44
#1811
04/24/07
Cash
I am wondering if you or any of your readers have general suggestions on living a cash-based life.
My employer's bank requires two IDs and a thumb-print when cashing their checks, plus my paychecks are high enough where their cashing has very nearly required unwelcome forms and reports. Me walking out with so much cash makes the bank nervous.
I have a small out-of-state bank account, and am considering having an automatic deposit of my payroll to avoid these problems, but then I wouldn't have as much cash on hand. The only solution I have thought of is to make very frequent ATM withdraws here where I live.
I suppose this should be good enough of a solution for me, but the nearly $5 in ATM fees each time I make a withdraw, plus the inconvenience of this financial bottle-neck, makes me wonder if anyone else has thought of a better system.
Thanks for your time, and I'd be happy to hear any suggestions anyone has on cash-based living.
Johan, , Age: 30
I am wondering if you or any of your readers have general suggestions on living a cash-based life.
My employer's bank requires two IDs and a thumb-print when cashing their checks, plus my paychecks are high enough where their cashing has very nearly required unwelcome forms and reports. Me walking out with so much cash makes the bank nervous.
I have a small out-of-state bank account, and am considering having an automatic deposit of my payroll to avoid these problems, but then I wouldn't have as much cash on hand. The only solution I have thought of is to make very frequent ATM withdraws here where I live.
I suppose this should be good enough of a solution for me, but the nearly $5 in ATM fees each time I make a withdraw, plus the inconvenience of this financial bottle-neck, makes me wonder if anyone else has thought of a better system.
Thanks for your time, and I'd be happy to hear any suggestions anyone has on cash-based living.
Johan, , Age: 30
#1808
04/24/07
One cent banking scam
Suggestion; If you use online banking try to use alerts provide by the system. You may be able to set an alert to send you an email every time a transaction occurs. If not then you should be able to set an alert for a .01 deposit. What a pain.
Glynn, , Age: 69
Suggestion; If you use online banking try to use alerts provide by the system. You may be able to set an alert to send you an email every time a transaction occurs. If not then you should be able to set an alert for a .01 deposit. What a pain.
Glynn, , Age: 69
#1805
04/23/07
Vehicle Registration
My question concerns vehicle registration. My vehicles are registered in my name and are paid off. Could I purchase a NM LLC (or two) and re-register my vehicles in the LLC name and address, in order to start gaining privacy?
John, , Age: 34
My question concerns vehicle registration. My vehicles are registered in my name and are paid off. Could I purchase a NM LLC (or two) and re-register my vehicles in the LLC name and address, in order to start gaining privacy?
John, , Age: 34
Yes. This means you will have to pay sales tax and transfer fees, of course.
#1804
04/23/07
Florida DMV & LLC
I just left the DMV, here in Florida. I attempted to register my vehicle in a NM LLC. They said I needed a Federal ID # and an Occupational License for the county to register the vehicle. They also said that they would have to see the LLC documents. I was just wondering if anyone else had heard of this?
Mike, , Age: 55
I just left the DMV, here in Florida. I attempted to register my vehicle in a NM LLC. They said I needed a Federal ID # and an Occupational License for the county to register the vehicle. They also said that they would have to see the LLC documents. I was just wondering if anyone else had heard of this?
Mike, , Age: 55
I have been ASKED for that but I said I was not a resident of the state and neither was the LLC. They then accepted the LLC. Can you mail the title in, already filled out? Or try another office?
... CAN ANY OF YOU FLORIDA READERS HELP OUT HERE?
... CAN ANY OF YOU FLORIDA READERS HELP OUT HERE?
#1803
04/23/07
Texas Phones
It looks like bad news may be headed for Texas. Excerpt: "The draft Homeland Security legislation also places tighter controls on the sale of prepaid phones. Retailers will be asked to keep records of customers in a move that means prepaid phones can no longer be bought over the counter without ID. Customers will have to supply their name and address, date of birth or Social Security number, while sales would be limited to five prepaid cell phones at a time."
URL #1: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/04/20/texas_wiretap_laws/
Mark, , Age: 23
It looks like bad news may be headed for Texas. Excerpt: "The draft Homeland Security legislation also places tighter controls on the sale of prepaid phones. Retailers will be asked to keep records of customers in a move that means prepaid phones can no longer be bought over the counter without ID. Customers will have to supply their name and address, date of birth or Social Security number, while sales would be limited to five prepaid cell phones at a time."
URL #1: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/04/20/texas_wiretap_laws/
Mark, , Age: 23
It still has to get through the House of Representatives, of course, but this does not look good.
#1802
04/22/07
One cent banking scam can loot anybody
This story has appeared only on US military websites. Some scammers have used the publicly available list of bank routing numbers to randomly generate possible account numbers to attempt to deposit one penny into. When they find an account number that works, they draft on that account for $124.xx. No personal data theft required. This is a computerized update on the way that bill collectors would attempt to deposit $5 to see if their target's bank account was still active, before raiding it. Such is life in the vulnerable century with a bank funds transfer system based on "trust." See the website below.
URL #1: http://www.schriever.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123048156
Lewis, , Age: 60
This story has appeared only on US military websites. Some scammers have used the publicly available list of bank routing numbers to randomly generate possible account numbers to attempt to deposit one penny into. When they find an account number that works, they draft on that account for $124.xx. No personal data theft required. This is a computerized update on the way that bill collectors would attempt to deposit $5 to see if their target's bank account was still active, before raiding it. Such is life in the vulnerable century with a bank funds transfer system based on "trust." See the website below.
URL #1: http://www.schriever.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123048156
Lewis, , Age: 60
#1800
04/22/07
Secure Public Computers
Here's my policy on the supposed security of a remote computer (and let's please let this be the last post on the subject): Unless you or someone you deeply trust has personally secured the computer in question or given it a detailed evaluation and certified it, assume anything stored on a remote computer has been, in that single action, hand-carried to a searchable database, though possibly at greater or lesser speed.
Elliott, , Age: 19
Here's my policy on the supposed security of a remote computer (and let's please let this be the last post on the subject): Unless you or someone you deeply trust has personally secured the computer in question or given it a detailed evaluation and certified it, assume anything stored on a remote computer has been, in that single action, hand-carried to a searchable database, though possibly at greater or lesser speed.
Elliott, , Age: 19
#1799
04/21/07
re: Privacy on Face Book
People "spying" on Facebook pages? Posting "privately" on Facebook?
Madness.
It is a public network on computers out of your control. If you wouldn't put it on a sign in the front yard of your house then DON'T POST IT!
Wilson, , Age: 19
People "spying" on Facebook pages? Posting "privately" on Facebook?
Madness.
It is a public network on computers out of your control. If you wouldn't put it on a sign in the front yard of your house then DON'T POST IT!
Wilson, , Age: 19
#1798
04/21/07
re: Privacy on Face Book
I haven't read the report, but from what I've seen of Facebook I'd think that anything the writer could possibly say can be summed up as "use the privacy settings (click "privacy" at the top right corner of the screen where you can control what other people can see about you)," "don't post without thinking," and "use the 'delete' option for posts that could come back to haunt you later."
Drew, , Age: 29
I haven't read the report, but from what I've seen of Facebook I'd think that anything the writer could possibly say can be summed up as "use the privacy settings (click "privacy" at the top right corner of the screen where you can control what other people can see about you)," "don't post without thinking," and "use the 'delete' option for posts that could come back to haunt you later."
Drew, , Age: 29
#1794
04/20/07
National ID
The Governor of Montana signed into law a bill that refuses to comply with the national ID. In his words, "No, no way, hell no!" Other states will surely follow.
John, , Age: 36
The Governor of Montana signed into law a bill that refuses to comply with the national ID. In his words, "No, no way, hell no!" Other states will surely follow.
John, , Age: 36
#1793
04/20/07
Car insurance to trace ownership
If a PI is trying to trace my license plates and learns that the car is registered to an LLC, could he somehow trace the plates to the insurance policy and therefore back to me?
Evan, , Age: 37
If a PI is trying to trace my license plates and learns that the car is registered to an LLC, could he somehow trace the plates to the insurance policy and therefore back to me?
Evan, , Age: 37
The key word is "somehow." A tricky PI could break into your car to attempt to find out which insurance company you use, and then try to get information via pretexting (pretending he is you) but this is both illegal and unlikely.
#1792
04/20/07
Privacy on Face Book
I think readers already know that universities and companies are spying on students via Face Book. I stumbled upon an excellent report on how to maintain privacy while using Face Book. Recommended for people who have used Face Book so they can save themselves from embarrassment and future job lost. But the best solution is not to use Face Book, My Space or any other social network at all :)
URL #1: http://kennubo.com/facebookreport.htm
Jake, , Age: 21
I think readers already know that universities and companies are spying on students via Face Book. I stumbled upon an excellent report on how to maintain privacy while using Face Book. Recommended for people who have used Face Book so they can save themselves from embarrassment and future job lost. But the best solution is not to use Face Book, My Space or any other social network at all :)
URL #1: http://kennubo.com/facebookreport.htm
Jake, , Age: 21
(Note to readers: I have no idea if this report is an option worth pursuing. It is NOT free.)
#1791
04/20/07
The new aluminum trailer
I might be interested, so could you swing up to Great Falls on the way back from Billings, MT?
Alex, , Age: 55
I might be interested, so could you swing up to Great Falls on the way back from Billings, MT?
Alex, , Age: 55
You didn't leave an e-mail address. Please contact me via e-mail.
#1790
04/20/07
National ID
This is an Article my brother alerted me to. It is a 3 page article saying how a National ID in the form of Uniform DL is to be implimented in May 2008. Why not just the Passport? It would be very difficult if not impossible to forge and would protect one from ID theft since the Passport No. is not tied to any other part of you eg. bank acct., Credit Card, Social Security. But the Government - Federal - seems to want everything tied one number.
URL #1: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15130989/page/1/
Hugh, , Age: 52
This is an Article my brother alerted me to. It is a 3 page article saying how a National ID in the form of Uniform DL is to be implimented in May 2008. Why not just the Passport? It would be very difficult if not impossible to forge and would protect one from ID theft since the Passport No. is not tied to any other part of you eg. bank acct., Credit Card, Social Security. But the Government - Federal - seems to want everything tied one number.
URL #1: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15130989/page/1/
Hugh, , Age: 52
I predict that the May 2008 deadline will eventually be moved forward because the states are not going to be ready for it. Further, not everyone (such as those who live in Manhattan) even has a driver's licence.
... In any event, the only one who should ever see your DL is a traffic cop or the clerk at a car rental agency. (Your passport is used for everything else.)
... In any event, the only one who should ever see your DL is a traffic cop or the clerk at a car rental agency. (Your passport is used for everything else.)
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