Can your checking account be found?

[forgotten]

This is all very interesting. I'm particularly wondering how they can get the AMOUNT in the account? ...seems like a complete invasion of privacy.

One way.. taking a bit of effort is to call a branch and say, "I have a check from one of your customers and was wondering if you could verify funds for me?" give them the account number and an amount and they will tell you if it is good.
Ask if a $5000 check is good, if yes, call a different branch and ask about a $8000 check, if no, call and ask about a $3000 check. You get the idea.

I've called and asked to verify funds before and never had a bank tell me no.

[ApresMoi]

This doesn't surprise me at all.

Similarly, any prospective employer can often find out your age (online) without even paying a penny. Let's say they look you up and find out you are 65. Think you'll get a call for an interview?

Mine info came up on a PIPL search, and on ZabaSearch. I paid ZABA about $20 to remove my info, which also removed it from a lot of other sites. PIPL is one of the few where I found my info still listed.

In the USA, there's almost no such thing as privacy, as the database search companies are not regulated by any laws with teeth. I contacted my Congressional representatives about this, and they acknowledged that this is so. Unless they hear a lot of kicking and screaming from their constituents (and perhaps changes to campaign finance laws), nothing will change. It galled me to have to pay ZABA to remove MY personal information from their public listings, but it was either that or constantly monitor lots of website and constantly write letters, as the info I had asked to have removed reappeared (sometimes within months) the next time these databases were updated. I think the ZABA removal lasts for only three years (don't recall exactly).

Individuals can also opt out of Lexis Nexis if you have been a victim of identity theft, and under a few other circumstances, such as if you are a police officer or hold other positions where someone might consider you are target. I opted out, as I was a victim of ID theft. They ask for a case number of other proof, but no way of knowing if they actually follow up.

When I put fraud alerts on my credit reports, I was not asked to provide proof of fraud, btw. I am in CA.

[treehugger1]

I know a few folks in financial trouble who put fraud alerts on CR's after unknown CA's and JDB's began reporting and never honored DV's or never even contacted the individuals.

[frogger]

In the USA, there's almost no such thing as privacy

Leave out the world "almost" and your statement is 100% correct. There is no privacy, period.

[ApresMoi]

I have read that in contrast to the U.S., Europe takes privacy matters very seriously. They just don't allow renegade, wild west activity by businesses who sell your personal info. It's regulated! Further, they have employment laws that actually protect their workers (in a big way). There, you can't get fired because your employer doesn't like you or the color of your hair. In the U.S., employers can treat you any way they like (with very few exceptions, mostly related to Federal discrimination laws) under 'at will' employment. The U.S. has a horrific and uncivilized employment system, imho, with plenty of employers flouting laws and treating workers as 'disposables'. They do this because it's legal. In the end, this becomes very, very expensive. When people lose jobs, they turn to public aid, and they turn to bankruptcy.

[anykey]

..well this is where it is good to leave a fake trail now and then.

This all makes me think twice between trying to save the $0.94 to MO and stamp.

[OhioFiler]

What do you have to hide? My life's an open book.