Social Security also has a consent based ssn verification process where a SSN can be verified with the parties consent.Again, we can never be 100% full proof but we can stay on top of the latest ways to mitigate the fraudsters at their game.How are you catching fakes?

They should have the option to install a security alarm at their own expense.

Except you insist on giving the OP a "yes" based on the generic strategy (A) while I insist on giving him a "no" based on his specific situation (B).To answer your question to me - no, I'm not trying to be controversial.

We are based of course in one of the most expensive places to live yay to that.

You really to examine your options with everything and be very choosy who you let run it for you!!! 

My favorite calls are from prospective clients who have been with another company - they know what matters to them and I know a lot about how the relationship will go, based on what they've experienced with another PMC. 

If this is not something you're interested in delving into and learning to a high degree, then investing in publicly traded REITs would be another good option for you, which have historically returned about 13.5 per cent Per year over the past 50 years (1977-present), beating the US stock market by two per cent and even beating private real estate investing by 4 per cent (that's compared with the average real estate investor, not the experts here at Bigger Pockets).

I was their best option.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, hassle-free option, I highly recommend checking them out!

There are risky, but high return options like QQQ which grew 27% over the last year or on the other side / safe end, there are super secure short term US government bonds like SGOV which pays out about 4.5% in dividends.