In Which I Do NOT Steal A Man’s Identity, But Could Do So Easily

/ Ally Bean

You put together a puzzle. You take a photo. You run it through the Waterlogue app on your cell phone and this is what you get: PRETTY!

HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED

I was sitting in the waiting area in a small boutique eyeglass shop that is in an old house, formerly a residence, but now zoned for commercial use.

I was having my spectacles adjusted. The optician helping me had taken my glasses with her into the back of the house, probably into what was formerly [maybe still is?] the kitchen, to have her way with them.

Across the room from me a different optician was talking with a man who was ordering new glasses. The room we were in was what would have been the living/dining room, with an 8′ ceiling, about 20′ x 15′ in size.

This man hadn’t gotten new glasses in over 12 years. The optician had found his file, a paper one, and was confirming details by saying things about him out loud to him.

Very normal.

BUT THERE WAS THIS LITTLE ISSUE WITH ACOUSTICS

Inadvertently I was overhearing everything that was being said between these two people. I didn’t want to hear but I did. I’ve changed the specific details to protect his identity, but the following is what I know about this man:

  • his former residence is 123 Oak Street in one community;
  • his current residence, that he moved into in 2017, is 4567 Eagle’s Nest Drive in a different community;
  • his last name is Smith;
  • his legal first name is Frederick, but he goes by his middle name, Daniel, preferring to be called Dan;
  • his wife’s name is Martha;
  • his brother who also buys glasses in this boutique is named Will;
  • he has no children;
  • he confirmed the date of his birth, he is 44 years old;
  • he confirmed his cell phone number, mentioning that he’s had it for years
  • he used to work for Blah Blah Blah Corporation but now works from home for Yada Yada Yada Corporation;
  • his medical insurance is Boring Useless Insurance Company;
  • he no longer has a checking account with Fancy Regional Bank;  and
  • he prefers to use his Visa for large purchases because he gets points for travel on Whoop-ass Airline.

The optician didn’t ask about the following but in the course of their conversation I also learned that:

  • he drives a BMW that was parked outside directly in front of this business;
  • he and his wife have been remodeling their house using Super Duper Home Remodeling Company;  and
  • they have a vacation planned for August.

Obviously I accidentally know a lot about this man, the proverbial ship I passed in the night. If I was a person with nefarious intentions I could easily have snapped a fast photo of him + his car’s license plate, then assumed his identity by knowing these random, but incredibly personal, details about him.

KIND OF SCARY, HUH?

Please discuss 😳

213 thoughts on “In Which I Do NOT Steal A Man’s Identity, But Could Do So Easily”

  1. Oh wow, that is scary! I try to be very conscientious of what I share, where, and with whom, but this makes me wonder how often someone’s been able to overhear my personal conversations. Yikes!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Esoterica, the situation was innocent and like many I’ve been in. I know I don’t tell strangers much about me, but in somewhere that is about health I share all. Yikes is right.

      [Also I don’t know why you’re going into moderation. I’ll try to figure that out… someday. Sorry.]

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Egads! That is scary. I’m going to have to lower my voice! Especially in my Dentist’s office which I have noticed I can hear conversations going on the exams rooms on either side of the one I have been in, and in the front office as well!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deborah, my dentist’s office is the same way. I overhear what is said, but at least in those cases I don’t see the person. In this small boutique shop I was seeing Dan. The experience gave me pause.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Kate, that’s what I was thinking, too. I’ll input personal info on a computer before I’ll chit-chat with a real person in real time. BUT this is a small [wonderful] eyeglass boutique and to my knowledge they don’t have an online portal.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Yep, you can overhear a lot in doctor’s offices…or sitting in the principal’s office. Or being a manager for your child’s club soccer team, where you collect and keep medical waivers for all team members, which also includes copies of the birth certificates (because, yes, parents will cheat and put older players in younger age groups because…well, for reasons that don’t actually make sense to me). If I ever have to go on the run, I’m grabbing my soccer binder for sure.

    Liked by 1 person

    • AutumnAshbough, this happened a few weeks ago and since then I’ve been to the doc for my annual check-up with my PCP. While I was checking in I was super aware of what I was saying AND who was sitting in the waiting room.

      I didn’t know about the whole club soccer team deal which includes your child’s birth certificate. I sort of get why… but not really… but knowing human nature I suppose you have to be sure a child is the age he claims he is. Fascinating.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Youth sports are huge now, and I am sure birth certificates are required in all of them. We’re shifting from hard copies to online copies of everything, though, which would make identity theft more difficult for managers…but more likely for hackers. My best protection is that I have a long name that a lot of folks can’t spell or pronounce. So far, no one has targeted me. My husband, on the other hand…he’s had a lot of credit card numbers stolen and identity theft issues.

        Liked by 1 person

  6. This is definitely something to be aware of, thx. I can’t remember the last time I gave info aloud ~ mostly it’s online or on paper. But even so, it’s scary how much is out there. I do love the puzzle pic!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Paula, I usually fill out paper forms or use a portal beforehand to input my information into the system, so I feel safe [more or less]. But this conversation was so normal… expected… in a small business like the eyeglass boutique.

      Thanks about the puzzle pic. It has nothing to do with the content of the post, but it’s pretty so I used it.

      Like

  7. I don’t know, but suspect your tale is exactly the reason so many organizations now allow someone to use either touch or voice when logging into an account. When I check my bank account remotely, touch is the default, although you can get to a voice-response menu by pressing certain keys. Without any evidence whatsoever, I’d doubt that any nefarious person would steal an identity in the circumstances you describe. It’s much easier to do it digitally, in one way or another: snapping a photo of a driver’s license with a phone camera, for example.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Linda, I don’t log into any accounts using touch or voice… yet, I suppose. I have no doubt that miscreants steal identities online and have their ways. I know I’ve been warned to always keep a thumb over at least part of the numbers on a credit card when I use one in public. That way anyone who might take a fast pic of it won’t get all the info.

      Liked by 2 people

    • As the old but great movie Sneakers (with the old but great Robert Redford) showed us “my voice is my passport”… imagine someone hacking and getting hold of your voiceprint? 🤯

      I once asked a clerk who was asking for a bunch of personal information why it was needed. He gave me a confused look, because, you know, it was on the form. His manager was more receptive to reason and agreed that they really didn’t need the information they were asking for. But there are few of the type of the discerning manager, and a lot of the type of the clerk…

      Liked by 1 person

      • Endless Weekend, I’ve never seen the movie Sneakers. I gotta wonder about all the nefarious possibilities when someone steals your voice.

        Yep, to the clerks doing what the form says no matter what and the few managers who are reasonable. If nothing else all these interactions make life interesting in ways heretofore never contemplated.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. This kind of thing happens in medical settings all the time. So much for HIPPA. I recently went to a new-to-me medical clinic. They hand you an iPad full of pages of personal and medical history questions. There was an elderly gentleman there and the receptionist was helping him by asking him the questions and she was recording his responses. He must have been hard of hearing because it was quite a loud exchange. I learned every detail about this man. I could easily have recorded the entire conversation on my phone and no one would be the wiser. Emergency rooms are the worst. All the conversations often separated by a cloth curtain. Yikes.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Here’s another scary thought. My cousin had a clerk in a store steal the information on her personal check. The check had her name, address, telephone number, and, of course, the bank account number. That person was able to set up an automatic deduct from her account for some gaming stuff. Luckily, she notice it right off and the idiot ended up being very easy to track back to him. Sometimes, they are not the brightest bulb in the box.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dorothy, being the cynic that I am, I’m not surprised someone tried to use your cousin’s personal check info to get money automatically from her account BUT I’ve never thought about that possibility before. I write about three checks per year, but can see how it could happen now that you mention it. Thanks for the head’s up.

      Like

  10. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of information people disclose with no thought to privacy. I mean, I understand in this case, some of it was necessary to update his chart. But not all of it, such as the car and remodel, etc. And yes, it is scary. And thank you for relating it in your trademark humorous way. As usual, I was smiling all the way through.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Kendra, because I didn’t have my glasses on I wasn’t reading anything so I was just sitting in the boutique waiting. It’s a lovely place actually, but I began to realize what I was overhearing. The factual stuff is one thing to overhear, but all the bits about his car and travel and house renovations were chit-chat Dan tossed in. Kind of an eye-opening experience [excuse the pun].

      Liked by 1 person

  11. These opportunities are all over the place. It’s terrible. I hate when a cashier asks me for my phone number, which happens every so often for a loyalty program (they don’t even give out key tags or use an app now). Anyone can use a search and go from there.

    I can’t believe some restaurants still take your credit card away from you to go process your payment!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nance, now that you mention it I haven’t had a cashier ask for my phone number in a long time. Most places I shop have a keypad where you type your number.

      As for restaurants taking your credit card away from the table, I’ve never been anywhere where they don’t. It always goes off with the server. I’d never thought about that as being a problem before.

      Like

  14. Have to chuckle about the dental overhearing—all I ever manage to get out of my mouth is mummmphible, so no problem there. Restaurants are another story. I cringe when dining with someone who thinks I need a hearing aid. I struggle with how to politely say SHHH! Maybe a gentle, “I’m not deaf?” 🤔

    Liked by 1 person

    • Lynette, I’m circumspect too about any details about me. I’ll tell you an opinion without much trouble, but you’ll only get personal details on a need to know basis, meaning when I think you need to know.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Good grief, that’s beyond ridiculous. Ever since my bank card got hacked by someone in Colorado I’ve been super vigilant.. I shred everything and never share information on social media. It might shock you to know my real name is not River, though I am a girl.
    😉

    Liked by 2 people

    • River [or whoever you are], I think you’re wise to be vigilant. I am too, but I never thought about how a list of information about a person, like I learned about Dan, could give someone more than enough to cause trouble without a leaving any digital trace of hacking prior to the identity theft.

      Like

  17. I LOVED…laugh out loud LOVED all of this, Ally — but the ‘Whoop-Ass Airline’ got me…it’s still got me. I can’t articulate the ‘why’, but I’m now trying to explain to our contractor friend, his helper and the hubster…you know…why Vicki was in stitches guffawing at this early hour. I’ll share it later with the hubs…but for the other lookey-loos I tried to shoo them away…carry on people, nothing to look at here! xoxoxo! Whoop-Ass indeed! 🤣🤣🤣

    Liked by 1 person

    • Marian, in this case the topic picked me. I was minding my own business waiting for my glasses and *bam* there was a blog post. I like to goof around on Waterlogue, although not all my creations are as lovely as this one. Yay, Cliff.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. And that’s the crazy world we live in now, isn’t it? That this thought even crossed your mind is a sad state of affairs because we have been trained by years of media banging it into us that there are many of nefarious intent who could and would have done just that . Our world can be so unfriendly.
    I shall, however, end on a positive note by saying your image is very cool!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Very scary, Ally. A woman seated next to me at a bar last summer, ordered flowers online with a florist in the town where her friend lived. She gave her name, address, credit card number, expiration and security code. I could have gone shopping.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. It seems this office in a fromer residence is trapped back in the time frame when that house was first built. Goodness. This explains why everything is on clipboards or ipads, or online in advance. They could hand the man a clipboard and ask him to update his info and that way join us in the year 2023.

    I enjoyed the fake mustache suggestion above. Clever. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ernie, I like your reasoning. You said it, this idea of talking out loud about personal information is a bit out of kilter with reality. Clip boards are nice. I try to use online systems in advance of office visits, but this small boutique is… well, is from a different time. Great glasses, though. 🥸

      Like

  23. I’ve never thought about these questions that get asked of us at medical/dental/optician reception areas. Now I will never forget. Makes me want to whisper or have my stuff written down in advance. Yikes. I used to just be worried about online info requests like this, now it’s everywhere.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Robin, I’ll admit that this situation made me re-evaluate how I’ll be filling in medical forms in the future. I already prefer to do the online forms, but not all medical/dental/optician places offer them. I suppose is some ways this story is a cautionary tale for our times. 🤷‍♀️

      Like

  25. That is very scary. Identity theft happens a lot more often than people realize. During Covid, someone filed for unemployment compensation under my name. I didn’t find out about it until months later. Note: that guy is pretty young to be blabbing all that info out – I would have expected someone that age to be a little more savvy. Also, cool pic!

    Liked by 1 person

  26. A HUGE pet peeve of mine. I’ve had bankers ask me my SSN with their office door open, or even when they don’t have any partitions between their desk and the bank lobby. Drives.me.nuts!

    What really galls me is the doctor’s office. They make a big deal about you signing the HIPAA policy, but then they read to you your address, cell phone number, emergency contact, health insurance, etc., asking you to confirm. I got very angry when I went for my colonoscopy and they did that, along with asking me who was driving me home (husband) and his cell number. It’s like asking to be robbed, with everyone in the waiting area knowing where you live and that you won’t be home for the next few hours.

    Can you tell I’m passionate about the topic??

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bijoux, I’ve not had a banker do what you mention but I’m with you about revealing that information to the whole stinking lobby. It’s not smart. Are these bankers that dense? Rhetorical question

      Yep, the HIPAA thing is a joke. I never thought about how vulnerable your house would be if someone realized you and your husband were together somewhere else, like having a colonoscopy. You’re right it’s about like asking to be robbed. Kind of scary

      Like

    • Nancy, them was the old days. Now everywhere I turn I have to know a password or prove who I am with id cards or reveal personal health information or use a phone number. So many opportunities for identity theft. 🤨

      Like

  29. It would be an interesting experiment – in an environment like you describe – to ask people to volunteer sensitive information out loud (ex, social security, credit card). I’m guessing most would comply because they’re more focused on the “authority figure” right in front of them. No wonder we have so much identity theft. Side note: I love how you used “spectacles” to describe your eyewear. A young person would say “huh?” to that, but it’s a word that still has legs.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dave, excellent point. You’re right about the power of the “authority figure” who controls the conversation. Dan answered without hesitation and he seemed like bright man, who just wanted to get some new spectacles.

      I, of course, like the word ‘spectacles’ considering it’s part of the name of this blog, The Spectacled Bean. However I know it can stump people. In fact every so often someone refers to this blog as The Speckled Bean– which it is not. 🤓

      Like

  31. Wow, you could have had a whole new identity on your hands! That is a LOT of information.

    I have two strong and opposing feelings about situations like this. First, I think it should be the responsibility of a business to at least attempt to keep a person’s personal information personal. I know it’s not always easy to do when you have limited space and resources, but that’s where printing out a page of information comes in handy. Or maybe you have a dedicated ipad that you hand to patients so they can verify their information. I have overheard SO MUCH personal information at a variety of doctors’ offices and it fills me with annoyance every time.

    But also I am extremely nosy. I love eavesdropping (in public where it is hard not to — I’m not putting a glass against any doors) and I love knowing weird details about strangers.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suzanne, I feel the same way as you. To my way of thinking it’d be more responsible if this small business had an online portal to input your information. Or an iPad or a clipboard with a page to fill in. BUT this is a quirky shop and that’s part of its draw, the personal touch.

      I like overhearing details about strangers, too. If I’m walking along and I hear a snippet of information I’m there for it, but this was bit much– and kind of awkward.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Ally, after more than two years of pandemic isolation, some people are so eager t converse and connect again that they would probably tell anyone anything. Good thing this guy didn’t have any state secrets.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Donna, excellent point. Maybe this man just liked to talk, he worked from home now, so this might have been fun for him. He seemed like a nice guy, not arrogant, just wanting to be helpful and get his glasses.

      Like

  33. Scary situation and it happens far too often. In situations like that, I’ll hand my drivers license over to the person taking my info and let them know that all is current. Of course I have to wonder if the person taking my info is “safe”. Sad to say that more and more this is what our world is devolving into. Thank goodness there are good people who choose to do the right thing and not hear what they are hearing. In one ear and out the other, as the saying goes.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Johnny, I like your idea of handing your driver’s license to the person asking the questions. I’ll remember that if I find myself in this sort of situation. That way at least if your identity is stolen, you’ll know where it might have happened and who had limited access to your information.

      Of course, fortunately, most people in waiting areas are absorbed in their own lives, looking at their phones or a book. Without my specs I couldn’t see well enough to do that, so I listened.

      Like

  35. I often wonder about situations like this. When discussing personal info, should it be done in a senate place? My mother in law has hearing issues, which means she speaks really loudly….then gets in conversations on her cell phone in public…😆

    Liked by 1 person

  36. Whoa! First and foremost, I love a story about you getting your glasses told on a blog called “the spectacled bean.” Somehow it feels complete or full-circle or something.

    But how interesting about the appointment. I suspect that our society runs because the majority of people don’t take advantage of the many opportunities we have to be nefarious. Thank goodness for the goodness of the spectacled Bean. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  38. That is bizarre and a bit disquieting. Loved your changes to his info; they made me laugh. If the info was on a paper, I don’t understand why she didn’t simply hand it to him and have him note any changes or updates. Many years ago my medical clinic asked for my social security number and my response was: you don’t need that. You already have my insurance account number which is how you bill me. They reluctantly agreed that they really didn’t need my SS number. So why ask??

    Liked by 1 person

    • Margaret, it was such an accidental situation. I wasn’t intentionally listening, but what else did I have to do while my glasses were being fixed? This is small boutique and part of their charm is personal service. Therefore I suppose they think that by filling in the information for the customer they’re doing something good? I dunno.

      I don’t think any doctor’s office has asked for my SS number. I agree with you that it’s not needed so why did they ask you? Another rhetorical question…

      Like

  39. It always bothers me when I can over hear peoples’ conversations in such places. The chiropractor I used to see you could hear everything in the next room. There were no doors, and the ceilings were vaulted so the top of the walls were open and it echoed. I knew others could hear me, too. My new chiropractor’s office has a different layout but still echoes down the hall where people can here. I do not like that. If I had to give personal info, I would ask for a place to speak privately.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Lori, you’re right about overhearing too much when you’re in doctors’ offices. I doubt that this man realized how the acoustics worked because he never heard me say a word over where I was sitting. If I had he might have realized. I wonder if in the future doc’s offices will have a private little room for the verbal exchange of personal information.

      Liked by 1 person

  42. We’re all thankful your intentions were non-nefarious.

    Last time I had a vision appointment, I walked into the clinic wearing dark sunglasses and proceeded to stumble around, knocking into things, much to the horror of my wife and daughter, both of whom had met me there.

    I mean, I laughed…

    Liked by 1 person

    • Donna, I admit that I’m not as aware as you about the personal questions I answer in public. This experience made me more aware of how information could be used against me. I’m too lazy to be evil, thus proving that slothfulness can save a person from being a miscreant. 🦥

      Like

  45. Well you know where he lives and when he’ll be gone on vacation so you know what to do. Don you cat burglar outfit and play act “It Takes A Thief.” I look forward to reading your account!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jan, thanks [I think] for this encouraging comment. While I take your point please keep in mind that I’m allergic to the month of August and will be at home in the air conditioning taking Benadryl. I’ll have no energy for burglary.

      Like

    • Nicole, the credit card was swiped through a reader so no talk about it and no mention of a SS number. BUT the rest I heard loud and clear. It made me slightly uncomfortable to hear these details, but oddly compelling too. It was just weird.

      Like

  48. Oh my goodness – what a fascinating post.

    People talk about enjoying people watching, but I LOVE (maybe this is crazy!) to eavesdrop. Like…not leaning in to hear things, but catching little snippets of conversation. I find it so, so interesting. I always feel a bit guilty, but sometimes people are just SO loud and I am not good at tuning it out (mostly because I’m so interested). And now I feel guilty/weird. Sigh.

    I have no desire to assume someone else’s identity – being me is hard enough, but a good reminder that it is quite easy for people to learn a lot about us in unexpected settings.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Elisabeth, I, too, like overhearing snippets of conversations, often with no context. I think that’s fascinating, but this was more informational than chatty. And I felt weird about hearing what I did.

      Your conclusion is exactly what I came to also. This was an unexpected setting and if I had assumed his identity I doubt he’d ever figure who learned so much about him. And where it happened.

      Like

  50. This happens and even when you are cautious, it happens. He probably had no idea that his voice could be heard in another room. The internet has opened a can of worms for identity theft. Passwords are now a joke. Everyone has to have at least TFA activated, but how many older people do? Keeping up with technology and its dangers must be frightening for senior citizens. Once upon a time you just had to lock your door and keep you bank passbook in a safe place. l wonder if conversations will be stymied by being limited to fewer details or general information only? Just in case. Most times, I’ve needed to fill out forms or pre-load the form electronically at health professionals and don’t divulge that info verbally. Trust in strangers is being eroded at breakneck pace.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Amanda, I am cautious about my personal information but overhearing this conversation gave me pause. I learned so much that I didn’t want to know. I wonder about some older people cope with all the passwords and protocols and online forms that are meant to keep us safe, but can be confusing.

      I know that I say less in casual conversations than I used to. I’d never tell even a casual acquaintance when we’re going on vacation or our weekend dinner plans. They might be okay, but who’s overhearing us? THAT is the question!

      Like

    • Annie, I didn’t think about saying anything to the optician at the time it happened. It just seemed odd, but now that you mention it there might be something to casually mentioning this situation. The thing is this eyeglass shop is quirky and personable and that’s how they attract their clientele. I doubt they think how they do things is anything but friendly.

      Like

    • Crystal, thank you. Dan seemed like a nice guy just trying to buy some spectacles, but the situation was odd. Hope he likes whatever frames he picked out. I’m sure they look great on him.

      Liked by 1 person

  54. This is very scary and reminds me of how many times medical/pharmacy staff ask you your birthdate out loud, and it requires an answer a verbal answer. I did it yesterday. We have medical cards, maybe we need birthdate cards with nothing else on it in case it gets lost. Hmm.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Judy, you’re right. I always have to say my birthdate at the pharmacy. I hadn’t thought of that but it is a tidbit of info that could be used against me by someone who overhears it. Life is tricky anymore.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Janis, that’s really the bottom line of my experience. I won’t use this information for bad, but a different person… who knows? It was unexpected to overhear so much yet in this context it made sense.

      Like

  56. Pingback: A Memory Linked to a Smell and Private Information – Something to Ponder About

  57. Once – eons ago; pre-smart phones, etc. – I was looking through a rack of clothes at a department store. This rack was right next to a check out station and the teller was on the phone taking a phone order and just began to repeat the caller’s name and credit card info. I was so shocked when I realized what was happening. I would have thought the store would have protocol to avoid that kind of situation; but apparently not. At least back then.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Gigi, that’s an interesting memory that gives me pause. I mean it was a while ago but seems relevant to today. I agree you’d think all businesses would have a protocol to make certain that customer personal information isn’t inadvertently shared. Yet my experience would suggest otherwise. Fascinating.

      Like

  58. The puzzle is lovely!

    Holy Moly. I’m guessing he’s not had any identity theft issues, which is rare these days.
    Also, isn’t it fun to be at a place of business with PAPER records? We have a Fan Store in town that STILL only uses paper records. You’d never see that at Whoop-ass Airlines.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suz, you’re right, I don’t know how anyone could not have had something of theirs [credit card, identity, travel points] stolen in some way by now. Hackers gonna hack. I was charmed by the paper files, I’ll admit it. Yep, Whoop-ass Airline is all about the electronic files and tickets. So techie.

      Liked by 1 person

  59. Wow, I ignore 90% of all the calls I get, few if any leave me a message. Then one day I got a message. This lady was calling on behalf of her husband, his ssn is 123-45-6789. Their phone number is blah, blah. They live at blah, blah. His birth date is…. I returned her called explained I’m not the billing agency for the infectious disease office and please never do that again. I deleted her message .

    Liked by 1 person

    • Danny, oh my! You were wonderful to call the woman and let her know her mistake– and not to do that again. She gave away way too much info to leave on a vm. You have to wonder about the naïveté of some people.

      Liked by 1 person

  62. Wow! I can’t believe all that was said for everyone too hear. She could have just told him too look at the screen and confirm his information. All his details are out in the streets and waiting for someone to rob him. Geesh!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Margy, good question. I have no idea what a shop owners liability would be in this situation. First, of course, the person whose identity was stolen would have to be able to trace it back to the shop– and could they? Would they?

      Liked by 1 person

  64. I think it’s very scary and a very real scenario in which Mr. Smith could get ‘taken’ by a nefarious identity thief. Or just use his info in many bad ways. I hate it when I’m in line, like at CVS, and they ask loudly “date of birth????” Ha. Like I’d tell them. I’m so tempted to say to the (looks-like-16-ear-old-clerk) what’s your guess? Instead, I lean over and whisper – just the month and the day and let them find out the rest. I just had someone hack, I guess is the word, my FB password or something I guess and start inviting ‘new’ friends on FB’s messenger. Thankfully friends immediately told me, and reported it, and I quickly changed my password. But I also thought, “I want to get off this world!!!”

    Liked by 1 person

    • Pam, I was amazed by all that I found out about this man, just by sitting quietly and listening. And on the surface of it the conversation was about as normal as can be. YET it wasn’t in the context of our times.

      I never thought about giving only month/day as my reply to the pharmacy tech. That’s smart. I’m sorry you were hacked on FB and don’t even know how that could happen, but obviously it did. Thank goodness for friends who piped up and told you. I like social media, but I also am cautious around it.

      Liked by 1 person

  65. My PCP asks AT EVERY CHECK-IN for my address and phone number and if I say “they haven’t changed” – they’ll ask me confirm what they have one file. If I say my phone number ends in 1234 – they’ll say they need me to say the whole number. It drives me BATTY. I’ve tried explaining that even in hotels they don’t say room numbers aloud or other identifying info for this specific reason. I get no where. Now I check in at a kiosk which asks me the same questions, but at least not aloud. I understand for billing (which is the most important thing) they need to have this info but it really does chap me – especially when I’m checking in for multiple appointments the same day “I promised I haven’t moved since I checked in two hours ago.”

    Liked by 1 person

    • Katie, that’s annoying that the PCP office doesn’t respect your desire for privacy. I mean if they must ask you repeatedly at least do so in some small room adjacent to the waiting room.

      I have problems checking in at kiosks because of my zombie fingers that don’t always work on touch screens, but at least it’s quiet. Modern life is often oddly weird.

      Like

  66. Good for you not taking advantage of that poor soul whose personal information obviously isn’t covered by HIPPA laws. But now you’ve made me want to begin doing business with Boring Useless Insurance Company and Fancy Regional Bank (I hope they still give out toasters)….

    Liked by 1 person

    • evilsquirrel13, you know I wouldn’t steal anyone’s identity, too much work. But it was an eye-opening [no pun intended] experience. As for the companies you mention, I’m sure the insurance company is still in business. As long as there are human beings to not cover [read the weasel words], they’ll be around. And the bank is still with us, but alas no more toasters.

      Like

  67. I’ve actually found myself in this type of situation in the doctor’s office, which is hysterical since we’re all supposed to be “protected” by laws for our privacy there. At one time, I had to sign a waiver so Mrs. Chess could have access to my medical conditions, but no one ever seems to have a problem confirming my personal info, including conditions, from behind the always very busy “help” desk. In these moments, I always let the “broadcaster” know from eye contact and a lower level of voice they need to take it down a few notches before we proceed further. Our optician’s area is small as well, and have seen situations there where the sharing of info is not limited to just the customer in question. Eye-opening indeed, Ally (pun intended!).

    Like

  69. Holy crap. OK, that must violate HIPAA rules which are designed for medical privacy. That optician needs to take care of that issue. Seriously. I will say I think HIPAA goes too far in some cases, but this is a case where it’s necessary.

    Liked by 1 person

  70. That’s a lot of questions just to get your glasses looked at! I am not sure he needed to have all this information on file.

    I’d assume that a lot of people are aloof and don’t pay much attention (or don’t think twice about it when they overhear a conversation like that), but yeah, if you were a person with nefarious intentions….

    Liked by 1 person

    • San, normally I’d have ignored this conversation because I usually read a book while I wait, but because I didn’t have my glasses on I wasn’t reading, only listening. And heard too much.

      Liked by 1 person

  72. Gee, I would call them or ask to speak to them privately and clue them in – there must be some type of HIPAA compliance codes they are breaching. I’ve gone to the same allergist’s office for decades. When the last allergist sold the practice as he had medical problems, the new allergist, who already had an existing practice in another county, announced they were closing for remodeling for one week. My first visit back I noticed that the billing clerk and receptionist now faced the waiting room and we saw the back of their computers. I asked the “shot girl” why the change and she said “Doctor said people could look at the computer and see other people’s info” (IMHO only if you had eagle eyes) but they now call you only by your first name and you don’t get your shot until they verify your date of birth (quietly).

    Like

    • Linda, I don’t know if the information that was being discussed would be under HIPAA regulations. I thought HIPAA was specifics about your medical problems, not the deets about your life. BUT you could be right.

      Interesting how your new allergist changed the office to make sure no one except the receptionist could see the computer screen. Smart really. Our PCP’s office was remodeled a few years ago so that you can no longer see all the paper files on the shelves behind the receptionist. It looks better from a design standpoint, but I wonder if there was more to it than aesthetics.

      Liked by 1 person

      • That could be Ally – I am thinking that having an open area to discuss patient’s personal information is a bad idea, especially if a patient has diminished hearing, so they speak even louder. I agree with you.

        I was sure no one could read their computer screens and they have no manila folders on desks so I thought it was overkill. Now, since COVID, the office has a huge, 10-foot horizontal Plexiglas barrier where you only interact by sliding insurance cards/money/checks to the receptionist, but, interesting, they have a sign on the barrier (you’ll love this) “please use your outside voice when speaking to us.” 🙂

        Like

  73. Absolutely unreal. That guy is lucky you are on the good side of the column. I’ve been going everywhere so long that they all know me by first name. Some day when my GP retires that will change. Having your identity stolen would be a nightmare. Bernie

    Like

    • Bernie, I know that my information was already in the computer system when I went to buy new glasses, but this man’s info had to be updated. Not sure it was done in the best way, but there you go.

      Like

  75. Pingback: Hidden on the ground – A Silly Place

  78. Pingback: January’s Greatest Hits – The Heart of the Matter

Comments are closed.