Not that that adds much to the security and not claiming that even a significant amount of people do this, but: I also have a full birthday on my facebook account -- it's the same date I give to all online sites; but it is not my real birthday. False information is actually a better protection than no information. The only drawback is that I get lots of people congratulating me on Aug 1st who then look bewildered when I say that it is *not* my birthday.
2008-09-12EDT20:24:26+00:00
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I've heard people do this, but, as you say, it has some negative consequences. I'm operating on the basis that the data is out on the web already, so it may as well be accurate.
2008-09-12EDT22:10:06+00:00
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Well, you may switch to HSBC, as at least they are half-brain dead rather than full brain-dead: you set up your security number (up to 10 digits) as well as your date of birth. They would never ask you the full number unless you change it (by phone only, fail).
I would never put my mother's maiden surname as for security. If they really ask that other than other possible choices, I'd just say something different, because my mum, like most Chinese nowadays, hasn't got her name changed an iota post marriage: her maiden surname IS her surname and it is in public knowledge: You might only know her as Mrs A but as long as you see her documents, bank accounts, etc, you know that she's also known as Ms X. I'd be truly brain dead to use such open thing as security details. :)
2008-09-15EDT04:15:53+00:00
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I would never put my mother's maiden surname as for security. If they really ask that other than other possible choices, I'd just say something different, because my mum, like most Chinese nowadays, hasn't got her name changed an iota post marriage: her maiden surname IS her surname and it is in public knowledge: You might only know her as Mrs A but as long as you see her documents, bank accounts, etc, you know that she's also known as Ms X. I'd be truly brain dead to use such open thing as security details. :)
