> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smartseniordaily.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # How Companies Track You (and How to Stop Them) - URL: https://www.smartseniordaily.com/how-companies-track-you-and-how-to-stop-them/ - Published: 2026-04-24T18:00:40.000Z - Updated: 2026-04-24T18:00:40.000Z - Description: One critical rule bears repeating: Never carry your Social Security card in your wallet. - Author: Danny Karon - Tags: Cyber Security, Scams ### Senior Cyber Secure, Part 2 – A Smart Senior Daily Special Series --- ## What "PII" Really Means and What Seniors Misunderstand About It Thieves use common ruses to take PII or personally identifiable information. This is not done only through complex hacking schemes. Many thieves who (let’s face it) are usually not that bright rely on low-tech methods, so it’s not only possible but also fairly easy for seniors to protect themselves. ## How Retailers and Apps Quietly Collect Senior Data Retailers and apps collect data through [loyalty programs](https://www.smartseniordaily.com/seniors-dont-sit-on-your-points-theyre-losing-value-faster-than-you-think/), purchase histories, and app permissions, sometimes without clear consent, and feed it to data brokers who build detailed profiles.​ [Grocery stores](https://www.smartseniordaily.com/why-groceries-cost-more-for-seniors-the-new-math-behind-your-receipt-part-1/) and [pharmacies](https://www.smartseniordaily.com/why-seniors-keep-hearing-were-out-of-that-at-the-pharmacy/) track seniors through loyalty cards that capture spending habits, medical purchases, and property records. These programs promise discounts but share data with brokers for targeted ads or insurer adjustments. [AI Comes to the Living Room: New Voice Tech Tracks Seniors’ WellnessCanary Speech teams up with JubileeTV to bring clinically informed voice analysis into everyday TV calls.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)Smart Senior DailyGary P Guthrie![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d9/1a/d91a71e8-ed81-4ec8-8028-ec14ba129b35/content/images/size/w1200/2026/02/JublieeTVCanary.png)](https://www.smartseniordaily.com/ai-comes-to-the-living-room-new-voice-tech-tracks-seniors-wellness/) ## What Privacy Settings Matter Most on Phones and Browsers To keep people out of your stuff, turn on a lock screen password that will require you to enter a PIN to use the phone and require [passwords](https://www.smartseniordaily.com/the-secret-power-of-7-makes-a-strong-password-stronger/) for app downloads. In your **web browser**, **use the private or incognito mode** when you don't want sites saved in your history. On your **phone, review which apps can access your location**, camera, and microphone in settings and turn off anything you don’t think should have access to those functions on your phone. ## How to Read Privacy Policies — What Red Flags to Watch For Sometimes it’s hard to find the fine print buried deep in legal documents. But search these out and take time to read through them. **Watch out if they say they "might" or "reserve the right" to do things with your data** instead of being clear about what they actually do. Companies that use these kinds of phrases are trying to cover themselves legally rather than being honest about their privacy policies. **Be careful when policies change quietly or get updated to allow new uses of data you already gave them**, such as sharing with third parties or [AI training](https://www.smartseniordaily.com/tag/ai/). It’s also a red flag if there's no clear way to delete your data or contact them with questions. [Is It Time to Wipe Your Personal Info Off the Internet?Why more seniors are quietly locking down their digital footprint![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)Smart Senior DailySmart Senior Daily Staff![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d9/1a/d91a71e8-ed81-4ec8-8028-ec14ba129b35/content/images/thumbnail/Deleting-PPI-1.png)](https://www.smartseniordaily.com/is-it-time-to-wipe-your-personal-info-off-the-internet/) ## Risks of Signing into Websites Using Facebook/Google Logins Be aware of the websites that utilize Facebook or Google logins. The sites may be able to get your name, email address, profile photo, and more, and if someone gets access to your Google or Facebook account, they can get access to other sites you logged into with that identity. --- **Up Next in the Series, Part 3: Passwords, Passkeys, & Permission Sharing for Seniors** learn more ****Interested in more of how** ****Danny Karon's advice** can make you cyber secure? [Check out](https://amzn.to/4sAQHIe?ref=smartseniordaily.com) his new book on Amazon. [READ A SAMPLE ](https://amzn.to/4sAQHIe?ref=smartseniordaily.com) --- **Smart Senior Daily Disclaimer:** This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney or financial professional regarding your specific situation.