You think you know everyone who has your information, and thus has the potential to use it against you….at least you think you do. ;)

You really don’t. After you read this list, you’re going to be surprised at how many of these places you never even thought about having your personal information. You’ll see…

Cable TV Companies - yeah you knew that.

Movie Rental Establishments - you may have even thought of that one…

Home Owner’s Associations - did ya know that one?

Pet Licensing Offices and Veterinarian Offices - Oops, didn’t think of that…

Newspaper Files - You were so proud your little bake sale was in the paper…

Apartment Complex Staff - Hmmm…

Garbage / Trash Collectors - Oh boy do they know what you’re up to….lol. If only you knew what they knew.

Vehicle Service Department Manager - Yes, if you own a new car, and you’ve left the name of the dealership on your vehicle, it’s very easy to call that dealership and pose as the owner. You know what can happen when someone thinks they’re talking to you. Ouch.

Court Traffic Tickets - Municipal and court records are public record. Indeed.

Small Town Grocery Store/Gas Station - If you live in a small town, the gas station on the corner you stop at everyday, what does he know about you? The grocery store that’s around the corner, what do they know about you?

Domino’s Pizza - That one wowed me even.

There’s a huge list, a lot of which no longer applies, due to new laws, etc. But you get the idea, right?

Having done a “pretext” call myself and seen first hand how simple it is to pretend to be someone else and get that information, I can tell you it is a lot easier than you would even believe. I was prepared to be asked a few questions, and was not even asked one.

I won’t tell you the key phrase to use in these situations, just because I don’t want this information used for bad. I just want to inform you how to protect yourself. Use cash a lot. I know we’re in an automated world and cash goes fast, keep a little notepad with your spending and treat it like a bank ledger, but if you’re concerned about your personal information being out there, you have to take the steps to protect yourself. No one else will.