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identity theft protection

Q&A: Relative’s oversharing puts family at risk

September 15, 2025 By Liz Weston Leave a Comment

Dear Liz: Your recent column on identity theft touched a nerve. My husband and I are very cautious about online security and don’t post details on social media that could be used in identity theft. But his mother constantly overshares, has no privacy filters on her accounts and ignores our requests to avoid posting our children’s names or our birthdays. Last week she posted “Happy 7th birthday to my beautiful granddaughter Bailey!” So now the world knows our daughter’s name and exact birth date. How can we get her to stop?

Answer: Older generations sometimes poke fun at younger generations for documenting every detail of their lives on social media. But many older folks ignore a basic rule of internet etiquette, which is that you shouldn’t post about others without their consent. Children, especially, need to be protected from exploitation by identity thieves, cyber bullies, sexual predators and data-mining tech companies. Your mother-in-law clearly doesn’t understand the hazard she’s creating, but her desire for attention does not outweigh your need for privacy or your right to protect yourselves and your children.

Now, first things first. Your mother-in-law may not understand how privacy settings work, so your husband could offer to help her set those up. That alone can help limit the damage she can inflict.

Next, consider having a face-to-face conversation with her where you and your husband calmly explain your concerns and repeat your request that she refrain from posting your private information. (Your husband may need to solo on this one if your relationship with her is contentious.) Focusing on her past mistakes could make her defensive, so consider framing this with “we” statements such as “We’ve made the decision to keep private details off the Internet to protect our children from predators and reduce our vulnerability to identity theft.”

Clearly explain the consequences if she ignores the request. You and her husband will need to discuss this beforehand, obviously, but the repercussions should be significant enough to communicate how important this is. With some grandparents, the idea of you no longer sending photos and details of the grandkids’ lives may be enough. With others, you may need to limit all contact.

Filed Under: Identity Theft, Q&A Tagged With: child identity theft, Identity Theft, identity theft protection

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

June 3, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Is identity theft protection worth it? Also in the news: The perks of cutting spending, why good credit matters even if you don’t plan to borrow, and how to get a replacement economic impact payment card.

Is identity theft protection worth it?
Valuing your online privacy.

The perks of cutting spending
It doesn’t have to hurt.

Why Good Credit Matters — Even if You Don’t Plan to Borrow
Prepare for the unexpected.

How to Get a Replacement Economic Impact Payment Card
That random card you threw out might have been your stimulus payment.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Credit Score, cutting spending, economic impact payment, good credit, identity theft protection, SmartMoney podcast, stimulus payment

Monday’s need-to-know money news

June 1, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Still undecided about college this fall? Know these 4 options. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on identity theft protection, 4 store credit cards with the best rewards, and how to prioritize high-interest debt payments.

Still Undecided About College This Fall? Know These 4 Options
You still have time.

SmartMoney Podcast: ‘Is Identity Theft Protection Worth It?’
Making yourself a smaller target.

Try these 4 store credit cards for the best rewards in this economic environment
Stretching your dollar.

How to Prioritize High-Interest Debt Payments
The type of debt is important.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: college, high-interest debt, identity theft protection, SmartMoney podcast, tips

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

February 18, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Identity theft protection you may not know you already have. Also in the news: How auto insurers use you non-driving habits to raise prices, how younger consumers can get a credit boost from their elders, and how to close a credit card the right way.

Identity Theft Protection You May Not Know You Already Have
Some surprising sources.

How Auto Insurers Use Your Nondriving Habits to Raise Prices
What you need to know about price optimization.

Younger Consumers, Get a Credit Boost From Your Elders
Authorized user status could give you a boost.

How to Close a Credit Card The Right Way
Protecting your credit score.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: auto insurance, closing credit cards, Credit Score, Identity Theft, identity theft protection, price optimization

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