Is Your Personal Information Safe on Zabasearch?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the safety and privacy implications of using Zabasearch, a public records search website. Participants share personal experiences with the site, express concerns about the availability of personal information, and explore the broader implications of background checks and privacy in the digital age.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that Zabasearch reveals extensive personal information, including past addresses and birthdates, which raises privacy concerns.
  • Others argue that the accuracy of the information can be questionable, with some reporting incorrect years associated with their addresses.
  • A participant expresses a sense of reassurance that their name and birthdate do not appear linked to addresses they have not lived at, suggesting a unique middle initial may help in distinguishing their identity.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of background checks, with some questioning the necessity of such detailed information being available for a fee.
  • Several participants discuss the potential uses of background checks in personal relationships, including dating and renting, highlighting both practical and ethical considerations.
  • Humorous exchanges occur regarding the extremes of checking someone's background, including references to criminal records and even metaphorical comparisons to preying mantises in relationships.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of concerns and humor regarding the implications of personal information being publicly accessible. While some share similar worries about privacy, there is no consensus on the overall safety or necessity of such information being available.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention varying experiences with the accuracy of the information on Zabasearch, indicating limitations in the reliability of the data presented. The discussion also touches on the broader societal implications of privacy and background checks, which remain unresolved.

  • #31
zoobyshoe said:
What's this, a video game?
No, it's one of my favorite episodes from Space Ghost Coast to Coast, a cartoon talk show.
 
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  • #32
Huckleberry said:
This is like the anti-thread for the romantic moments thread. I'm trying to imagine the progression of thoughts from the point where I would decide I like a person to the point where I would decide to check to see if they had a criminal record. It doesn't seem very romantic, or trusting. Then again, you could wind up married to a husband killing gold digger if you're not careful. :eek:

That must be why I stay in academics...I'm comfortable, but there's definitely no gold to be dug. :smile:
 
  • #33
Moonbear said:
That must be why I stay in academics...I'm comfortable, but there's definitely no gold to be dug. :smile:
There's still 'mirkin mining' though. :biggrin:
 
  • #34
Danger said:
There's still 'mirkin mining' though. :biggrin:

I don't mind that...as long as they don't stop! :biggrin:
 
  • #35
Moonbear said:
I don't mind that...as long as they don't stop! :biggrin:
I refuse to stoop to the level of mentioning either strip mining or bottomless pits. o:)
 
  • #36
Not to drag anyone back ON topic (some day I have to watch space ghost- I keep hearing about it). But if anyone was wondering where this information comes from, I can provide some insight. If you've ever applied for any kind of credit, that information can be obtained. The actual body of the info- IE the credit scoring etc is protected info. However the header info, such as name age, address, phone, etc is considered fair game under the fair credit reporting act. And that information is easily obtainable, usually for a small fee. Then the standard public records- change of address, city/county records such as home purchases. arrest records, things like that. As someone mentioned earlier, the website isn't the problem. It just brings a murky problem into specific focus: that privacy is very hard to come by. You can live "outside the system" but you will have no credit, own nothing of substantial value, or basically have to become someone else.
 
  • #37
Zantra said:
www.zabasearch.com

great if you want to find someone else. But try looking up yourself and see how much comes up. I had every address I've ever lived at come up
Hmm. It didn't find me. I'm insulted. :confused:

This reminds me of another recent discussion of the same general topic. From jma's excellent link:
We humans tend to overlook real safety risks in favor of the more shocking ones...
Yep.
 
Last edited:
  • #38
Moonbear said:
The rest of the info is just a bunch of old addresses and phone numbers they could have gotten from the phone book. It's not like people don't know where I live, though they'd have to know I'm me in order for it to do any good.
Hmm... "MATOOKA MOONBEAR 922 WASHINGTON ST SE ALBUQUERQUE NM" Matooka? Your parents must have hated you...
 

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