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To: SeekAndFind
I'm going on 79. I feel very fortunate that during the 25 years I worked in uniform in NY State's prison system, I was instilled with the necessary skills to keep myself safe from all kinds of predators. Security was drummed into your head every day on the job. I also learned many years ago to question everything.

I've been retired since 2003. I've never had investments, so the likelihood of me being scammed of investments is zero.

I've been using Apple computers since the 80's, and although I'm not a tech geek, I know enough how to search online for answers to any questions that may arise. One time, many years ago before I had an iPhone and a call filter, I got a call from an Asian person who claimed that the Microsoft operating system on my computer was outdated. I immediately knew it was a scam, told him to F off, and hung up. I've never gotten a phone call or email from anyone, in all the years I've been using Apple products, claiming they were from Apple, and were calling over issues with my computer. I always purchased the extended three year warranty service with every Apple computer I purchased, and even though there were never any issues during those three years, it was still reassuring to know that I had it.

I don't do social media sites, nor have I ever accessed any dating sites. I've been very happily divorced for 46 years, having raised my two sons alone. I did date periodically after my divorce, but in the early 90's, I stopped dating, and never had a relationship with anyone since. I love being alone, and enjoy the privacy and tranquility.

I keep a very low profile on the internet, and everywhere else. I have never owned a home, have no savings, no personal retirement fund. I have nothing that would interest anyone to want to steal my identity. I'm a nobody with nothing.

I get fishing emails, but I'm smart enough to question every email I get. I don't click on links in any emails I receive. If I get an email from one of my creditors, I don't click on the link provided. I go to the bookmarked website instead. Secondly, and most importantly, the filter on my phone is set, so that the only time it rings is when someone in my contact list calls. All other calls are silenced. My filter automatically blocks calls it perceives as scams, and shows a little banner and the number it blocks. Other unknown calls that come in are shown in my recent list, and I can then determine if I want them blocked, or simply delete them.

The other thing I've never done, is download third party apps to any smart phone I've owned. I only use my iPhone for calls and occasional texts. I don't do any banking, email or other types of transactions on it. Most of the features on it are turned off. I won't sync the phone via bluetooth with my car, because I don't want to be bothered while I'm driving, and I don't sync my iPhone with my Mac computer.

The less of a footprint you have out there, the lesser the chance of becoming a victim. Once you lose your privacy, you can never get it back.

7 posted on 06/07/2026 10:31:47 PM PDT by mass55th (“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” ― John Wayne)
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To: mass55th
Anytime I hear a foreign accent on my phone it's an automatic hangup.
8 posted on 06/07/2026 10:41:53 PM PDT by CaptainK ("No matter how cynical you get, it is impossible to keep up” )
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