Privacy

People on a forum of this sort frequently write about the extreme measures they have taken to insure privacy. But many of these measures would simply draw attention. Most people don't pay cash for day to day purchases; they use credit or debit cards. Using cash, particularly on a regular basis at the same store, leads people to remember the individual. I haven't had to show my driver's license since the advent of credit cards. But if I did I'd use a dl, certainly not a passport or state id which more often than not makes people think the person doesn't have one because he's been convicted of drunk driving. Unless someone is doing something illegal or has really rotten credit there's no advantage and several disavantages to a prepaid phone. The notion of two phones apart from business lines or landline/cell is silly.

A post office box is a good idea. That's what I have on my dl and registration. If they should be lost or stolen they provide no information to a criminal. I don't list my address in the telephone directory either.

We may not wish to have records all over on certain purchases. A prepaid debit card is reasonable for this but should not replace normal credit and debit cards which normal people use.

The secret to real privacy is to blend into the background. Live in a house that fits your neighborhood. Drive vehicles that do the same. Do buy certain things for cash; you should know what they are. Don't express right wing political views unless you live in a right wing area; this is very important. Live in an expensive area where everyone values privacy. People are far nosier in Dogpatch whether urban or rural. However, unusual buildings and vehicles draw far less notice in any rural area.

Drive vehicles that are clean and without body damage.

Have as few people as possible in your home and make sure that nothing stands out in the rooms they may enter. A visible gun or gun related equipment is fine in Wyoming; it is not so fine in Chicago. If you have a bronze bust of Adolf Hitler do not display it where casual visitors may see it.

Many people have good memories. I was once in a Walmart and pulled up to the register with bottled water among my purchases. The cashier asked if I had four cases. I asked her how she knew and she replied that I always bought four cases. Think about that.

While I don't care who knows how much bottled water I drink there are some purchases that merit discretion.