Web Safety

1) Email attachments
Billions of emails are sent on computers around the world each day. The number one way to avoid identity theft is to just hit the delete key. Many look legitimate but don't engage, don't reply, just delete them. Never open email attachments from strangers. The files could contain a computer virus or offensive material or claim you are the winner of a prize drawing. Although email is relatively private, hackers can still access it and add you to their spam lists. Do not engage by replying to bogus emails, and do not click on any message that suggests you unsubscribe. Spam advertisements can be more than just annoying.

2) If you decide to meet someone...
If you decide to meet someone in person from Online, go to a public place and let friends and family know your plans. If someone Online asks you too many personal questions, be suspicious. Stop talking with them. Always remember that people online may not be who they say they are. It is very easy for people to pretend to be someone they are not.

3) Protect your computer
Get a good anti-virus program, spyware remover, and firewall. A computer virus or trojan horse spyware program that sneaks its way onto your computer can compromise your private information. These malicious programs can scan through your entire harddrive and send what it finds out over the internet.

4) Use parental controls
Monitor children (under 12) closely and use parental controls. If something you see or read online makes you uncomfortable, leave the site.

5) Protect your passwords
Change your passwords often. Don't share your password with anyone else. Use a combination of letters/numbers and special characters.

6) Check the URL
Check the URL and make sure the site you are visiting is really what you think it is before you enter your password. Cyber criminals pretend to represent a company, such as PayPal or your credit card issuer, and informs you that you need to respond with some information or click on a link. The thief may even claim to represent a charity or sweepstakes giveaway. Don't be fooled. Don't respond and don't click the link, even if it appears to be legitimate. Some cyber criminals use phishing scams to set up convincing spoofs of legitimate web sites. They then try to trick you into visiting these web sites and disclosing personal information, such as your credit card number. The spoofed site is usually designed to look like the legitimate site, sometimes using components from the legitimate site. Another way to help protect yourself from fake web sites is to install the latest version of Chrome onto your computer. Chrome automatically protects you from security issues like phishing and dangerous sites.

7) Do not give out your...
Do not give out your personal information to anyone Online that you don't know. For example information like your full name, age or address.

8) Be careful what you send or receive Online
If you receive unwanted, offensive, mean, threatening, or harassing emails, do not respond to them. Also be careful of the pictures you send or receive over the Internet. It's not just strangers who can make you feel uncomfortable Online. Cyberbullying refers to cruel or bullying messages sent to you Online from anyone.

9) Carefully choose your Online settings
Many Online Web services allow you to chat with others. Go to the preferences or options menu and carefully choose settings. It is best to turn off messages from all users and only add people to your buddy list that you know or someone you choose to talk to. Bad or annoying programs may invade your messenger box or chat windows, such as spam bots, boot codes, or tools. These can damage your computer and record your Online activities. Always set your preferences to the highest security setting.

10) Report fraud
For more information on reporting it visit Online Fraud.

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