| #: |
From / Date: |
Question / Answer: |
| 7839. |
Alex
Chicago, IL
Age: 40
Jul 24, 2010
|
Postal Return Address
For the return address, why not simply restate the "to" address but in a slightly different way (i.e. Billing - ABC Co. instead of the 2 lines with Attn: and then the company name)---The postal workers won't notice it and it's guaranteed to get where you want the mail to go (so long as you know the "to" address is correct). I never use anything other than the "to" address and no problems/issues whatsoever. Just make it slightly different, and abbreviate a lot more, for example. Even for packages, you can do this---the postal worker may notice but won't say anything---never has... If he/she ever does, claim it's a self-addressed envelope/package because of travel.
|
| 7838. |
Hamish
Salem, Oregon
Age: 67
Jul 23, 2010
|
#7837, Library User
Steph, does the library permit you to plug your own USB drive into their public computers?
If so, get yourself an Ironkey brand secure USB flash drive. Use the Ironkey's internal Firefox browser (NOT the Firefox or Internet Explorer browser on the library's host computer) to browse the Internet. And turn on the "Secure Sessions" feature. (Click on the little icon in the lower right corner of the browser window, so that it shows a green "ON" rather than a red "OFF".
The IronKey's Secure Sessions feature hides the IP address of the host computer from the web sites that you access via the its internal Firefox browser. (You may be entertained to find that the adverts displayed on Web sites seem to be directed toward consumers located in Canada or Europe rather Denton, Texas.)
You might also install the StartPage (= ixQuick) search engine in your IronKey's browser. That search engine does not disclose the IP address of the computer that you are using.
I carry my IronKey on a cellphone-style lanyard around my neck. I use the IronKey's Firefox, its Secure Sessions feature, and the Startpage search engine whenever I browse the Internet, whether from my home computer or from someone else's computer.
Submitted Link #1: https://www.ironkey.com/...
|
| 7837. |
Steph
Denton, TX
Age: 53
Jul 23, 2010
|
Library User
Hi, I use the public computers at the library. Even though I use custom setting on the privacy tab of Foxfire, I still get indications that websites know where I'm at. EX: I signed up at Fotki, a photosharing website and it automatically in Denton, Texas as my location. I also notice ads for my location at other websites. Is there anyway to prevent this while using public computers? I really don't want these websites to know my actual location. Thanks.
|
| 7836. |
Brad
Woodstock, IL
Age: 26
Jul 23, 2010
|
RFID Clothing Tags
(Reuters) – Wal-Mart Stores Inc plans to roll out electronic tags to keep track of individual garments like jeans and underwear, in a move that would help the retail giant control its inventories better, the Wall Street Journal said.
Beginning in August, Wal-Mart will place removable radio-frequency ID tags on individual garments that can be read by a handheld scanner, the Journal said.
The tags will help Wal-Mart workers to quickly learn which garments are missing from the shelves, the paper said.
The aim of rolling out the electronic tags is to ensure shelves are optimally stocked and inventory tightly watched, according to the Journal.
If successful, the electronic tags will be used for other products at Wal-Mart's more than 3,750 U.S. stores, the paper said.
"This ability to wave the wand and have a sense of all the products that are on the floor or in the back room in seconds is something that we feel can really transform our business," Raul Vazquez, the executive in charge of Wal-Mart stores in the western United States, told the paper.
Wal-Mart could not immediately be reached for comment by Reuters outside regular U.S. business hours. (Reporting by Sakthi Prasad in Bangalore; Editing by Valerie Lee)
|
| 7835. |
Seth
collbran, co
Age: 50
Jul 22, 2010
|
Re: Seth #7811 out of state vehicle ownership
"I'm assuming the Colorado does not have a similar tax and so you can live there indefinitely with MT plates. If not, explain how you are able to avoid that because maybe that would work here, too."
Colorado does have a personal property ownership tax on motor vehicles. The key to AVOIDING (not evading) this tax is that the vehicle must be legitimately owned by a business that has a legitimate business presence in Montana. In general, forming a Montana LLC and having a registered agent in Montana will suffice to pass casual scrutiny, like for an RV used infrequently and stored out of sight, but technically if you are not operating a "business" of some sort in Montana, it's possible that a judge in Colorado or Virgina might call it a sham registration and possibly tax evasion.
That's why I created an internet based news gathering organization that is hosted in Montana. I'm no lawyer, but it's my judgment that having a business based in Montana that owns vehicles licensed there is pretty unassailable. I can prove that my business is based in Montana, and it's entitled to own vehicles and loan them to me, even if I use them primarily in Colorado.
Montana has been protective of this system and has resisted efforts of Colorado to cooperate in stopping it because it brings significant income to Montana.
There is always a risk that some zealous prosecutor might try to make an example out of some out-of-state registrant by charging them with tax evasion or something, and this might be a bigger risk if you do not actually have a business presence (more than just a registered LLC) in Montana.
That's why I opted for the highest degree of legal legitimacy I could obtain short of actually moving to Montana.
But, there is risk associated with this plan, and one thing it does do is draw attention to your vehicles, which may bring scrutiny of you, personally, which is the antithesis of good tactics if one is trying to be invisible.
So, one has to assess whether the monetary reward and privacy is worth being hassled by some cop who objects to your not having in-state plates.
The low-profile system suggests that you suck it up and pay in-state registration and taxes, but that the vehicle be registered to a New Mexico LLC.
Montana registration is merely an option for those who have expensive vehicles in states that levy high registration taxes, like Colorado. But it's not without risks.
...
Note to readers: My vote, as Seth says, is to "suck it up and pay in-state registration and taxes, but that the vehicle be registered to a New Mexico LLC."
|
| 7834. |
Hamish
Salem, Oregon
Age: 68
Jul 22, 2010
|
Re: #7830 - Startpage
You are correct, Leonard. Startpage and ixquick are identical. Startpage is just an alternate name for Ixquick.
"Since Google, Yahoo, and Bing already retain users' search data, this proposal is clearly aimed at Ixquick and our English-language subsidiary Startpage (www.startpage.com)," said Robert Beens, CEO of Ixquick.
Submitted Link #1: https://startpage.com/eng/press/pr-startpage-fight...
|
| 7833. |
Dave
Maple Shade, NJ
Age: 48
Jul 22, 2010
|
ebay-amazon
Thanks to Hamish for his answer on magic jack-I will not go near it.
I have been selling stuff on ebay and amazon for a number of years and I picked this little trick up from another seller.
If you are mailing a package like a book or CD, all I put is my return address without any name. I have mailed from a number of different post offices, and nobody has ever given me a problem over it.
It has been discussed here to put the return address on the back of the envelope because the post office photographs the front, but on a package they might object-I'm not sure because I have not tried it yet. Thanks.
|
| 7831. |
Geoff
Tampa, Florida
Age: 40
Jul 21, 2010
|
Explaining Limitation of Liability to Nominees
Okay, I have read the chapter on Nominees in HTBI & I have the nominee report.
When interviewing nominees, their number one fear is, when opening an account, bank or otherwise, how they might be liable ?
What can I say to them which clearly explains how all they are is a nominee, and that they can't be held liable for any problems which may arise ?
Are there any law citations ?
Thanks
...
One problem that comes to mind would be if you deposited a number of bad checks into the account. That might get the nominee blacklisted.Another fear might be that you would use the account for some illegal activity. Your job, therefore, is to sell yourself as someone the nominee can trust.
|
| 7830. |
leonard
columbia, sc
Age: 36
Jul 21, 2010
|
startpage
What's the difference between ixquick and startpage? It looks to me as though SP is just a mirror site for ixquick.
|
| 7828. |
Katie
St. Paul. MINNESOTA
Age: 31
Jul 21, 2010
|
RE: Don P.O. fwding to your Father's box
Don, we had something similar happen in that the previous occupant of our P.O. Box had the same last name. Problem was, this person was also a crook, and when some of our mail was forwarded to this person they tried to use our mail to buy things and get our social #'s (obviously they put in a mail fwding card).
I'd go in person to the P.O. if you can, and explain you are visiting the area again and "this person with the same name as me" is getting my mail and you had been contacted by them. Then have them put a note taped to your old P.O. box wall not to fwd your old mail and one on your Father's box too. That should help tremendously, as we had to do that also and have had no problems since.
|
| 7827. |
Daniel
Minneapolis, MN
Age: 34
Jul 20, 2010
|
RE: Luna's blog post- Is it okay with the police if you lie?
Some other suggestions for single women living alone- placing a worn size 14 pair of work boots outside on the porch, a NRA or Patrolman's Benevolent Association decal on the front, or leaving "guy stuff" around (tools, sports equipment, etc.). Men (especially potential predators) WILL pick up of these things.
|
| 7825. |
Pete
Chicago IL
Age: 43
Jul 19, 2010
|
Rental and a LLC
... If a mortgage will be involved, I do not recommend an LLC
Can you elaborate on why not? Thank you.
...
The mortgage company will still want you to guarantee the loan under your OWN NAME so there goes the privacy.
|
| 7824. |
Josh
Reading, PA
Age: 20
Jul 19, 2010
|
New to privacy? You CAN do it!
I'm a 20 year old community college student. I know there are people who read this section who have no idea where to start, or think it's too much work to start making their life private. I haven't done a lot, but I've taken the first steps, and I'd like to share my story, because I already feel a huge weight off my shoulders. You CAN do it.
In PA, when you move you receive a little paper card to be kept with your drivers license. Your actual drivers license is NOT updated. I've moved twice since I got my license - and I opened a PO box with this "old" license ("forgetting" to give them the little paper card) and my college ID card which has nothing but my picture and my name. No other information. My middle name is Tyler, and I've been receiving mail as "Joshua Tyler" or even "J. Tyler" for over six months now with no problems.
My bank account is in the town my grandparents live in Delaware, in a bank with no branches in PA. I visit them frequently, and all other times I just use the online banking, and receive no printed statements. I have no credit cards, except for a debit card linked to my account. I've learned from experience that I do a poor job of hanging on to money, so I don't even give myself the temptation to go beyond my means.
If the dog doo-doo really hits the fan, my college has lockers in the hallways (the wide, gym locker variety). These lockers are NOT registered to anyone - anyone can stick a combination lock on one and it's immediately theirs. In one locker I have a clean Acer netbook, some cash, and a duffel bag with a change of clothes. I don't do ANYTHING illegal, but if anything were to ever happen to me or someone I love, the college is directly across the street from the Greyhound terminal. And since many people take summer classes here, the college NEVER empties the lockers...
I still have a long way to go - my privacy on the Internet is not where it should be. I'm trying to find a ghost address, but I'm 20 and look 16, so I haven't found a way to get people to take me seriously. But this has turned into a game for me. Not a "stick it to the man" type of game, but a game that's actually turned out to be fun. Again, everybody: I'm two years out of high school. I'm a full time community college student with very, very little income. And I've taken the first steps to privacy, and I already feel more confident in myself. You can too. If anyone's reading this unsure about how or whether to proceed, follow Jack's advice - just set a day, and DO IT, no matter what. You'll be glad you did.
...
Way to go, Josh!
|
| 7823. |
Frank
Arlington, VA
Age: 47
Jul 18, 2010
|
Re: Seth #7811 out of state vehicle ownership
Virginia taxes vehicles as personal property every year and puts a great deal of effort to make sure that anyone living here has VA plates.
Let's not discuss the legal definition of domicile; I'm assuming the Colorado does not have a similar tax and so you can live there indefinitely with MT plates.
If not, explain how you are able to avoid that because maybe that would work here, too.
|
| 7822. |
Larry
San Francisco
Age: 53
Jul 18, 2010
|
Inheritance of LLCs
Why are these questions being posted? I thought LLCs were for Privacy, not tax evasion.
...
Correct, I recommend LLCs for privacy, never for tax evasion. Perhaps they can be used for legal avoidance (NOT for evasion)but this is not my field. Tax attorneys are best used in such a field.
|
| 7821. |
Don
Baltimore MARYLAND
Age: 40
Jul 18, 2010
|
P.O. Box
I made the mistake of opening a P.O. Box at the same USPS where my father has his. We have the same name. I closed my P.O. Box a few years ago. Instead of returning my mail to the sender, the mail handlers are putting it in my father's P.O. Box. I do not want this to happen. I want the senders to think that I moved to a far away place.
Any recommendations?
...
If you closed the box several years ago, why is mail still being sent to you at that address?
With each letter that arrives in the future, do one of two things: 1. Write to the sender and send him or her your new address. Or, 2. Stamp each letter with
MOVED--NO FORWARDING ADDRESS
and return to sender.
|
| 7818. |
Kent
Dallas, TX
Age: 54
Jul 17, 2010
|
Inheritance of LLCs
Hi, I just wanted to follow up and clarify something Seth mentioned in #7811. He seems to be saying an LLC, with all the real estate, vehicles, or anything else it owns, can be given to an heir, and there are no inheritance taxes, and none of the usual estate paperwork. Is that correct??? Thanks -K.
|
| 7817. |
roger
Houston, Texas
Age: 62
Jul 17, 2010
|
Teresa # 7807
Teresa,
Thanks, notifiying your credit card company before you travel is always a good idea. I always do that since I had a card denied many years ago.
My post was in reference to post #7800 where JJ suggests getting a Canadian credit card. I was relating my experience in trying to get one and I wondered if anyone was able to get one and how they did get it.
|
| 7816. |
Pete
Chicago IL
Age: 43
Jul 17, 2010
|
Buying a Rental Home in a LLC
I am about ready to close on a rental property. I asked the mortgage broker and realtor if I can title it in a LLC. The realtor said, No problem. The mortgage broker , said he would not advise it as this may raise a flag to the mortgage company and they may call the loan. Also he stated, I would lose all title insurance coverage. I know, I know pay cash it is easier.
...
If a mortgage will be involved, I do not recommend an LLC.
|
| 7813. |
Seth
collbran, co
Age: 50
Jul 16, 2010
|
#7808 Buying a home
"If my LLC goes inactive will I loose my home?"
No, you won't lose your home. Who would try to take it from you if it's paid for?
But, if your LLC ceases to exist because you didn't keep it up (by not paying the Registered Agent fees or filing the necessary reports) then the TITLE to the house becomes clouded, as it's then difficult to determine to whom the house rightfully belongs in some legal action, like at your death. This is one of the difficulties in using LLC's for privacy, it does add a layer of complexity and ongoing bureaucratic involvement.
This only becomes an issue if something happens where the title to the house is placed in question. Such events could include your death or incapacity, a bankruptcy, a lien or assessment by a government agency or homeowner's association, a tax lien from the federal or state government or some other legal action where title to the house is involved, including things like title insurance or homeowners insurance claims.
Thus, it's important to keep the LLC legally formed and up to date. If this is a concern, and it is, you should get advice from a qualified lawyer as to how to set things up properly. For example, you may want to have your LAWYER do the closing in the name of the LLC, paying by check from an escrow account to cut your name out of it, so you don't end up with gift or estate tax issues down the road. If you put YOUR signature on the closing documents, even as an agent for an LLC, then you are forever linked with the property, and that can have tax implications in the future.
|
|
|
 |
