Online Safety - 10/2/2008
Never give out your usernames, passwords, or PINs to anyone.
Always make sure they are a combination of letters and numbers. Change them as frequently as you can, and do not use the same pins or password for different accounts.
Anti-Virus Software/Anti-Spyware and Firewalls
Guard your computer using the most updated versions of anti-virus software to protect your system from both email and system viruses.
Use anti-spyware or adware programs to remove programs that track your Internet activity.
Use a firewall to make your computer invisible to outside attackers.
A firewall is especially critical if you have your computer on a cable or DSL Internet connection that is constantly connected to the Internet.
Email Attachments
Be careful opening email attachments. Always make sure you scan them with anti-virus software first.
Do not click links inside an email you do not know is legitimate, even if it is sent from someone you know. Viruses are often hidden in seemingly harmless programs that people share for fun. Because many viruses make use of peoples' address books, you may receive virus emails from people you know.
Contact the sender to make sure the email is legitimate, and scan it carefully. Avoid having email programs set to preview email, as this can open a virus email before you have a chance to scan it.
Security Updates for Operating Systems/Browsers
Make sure you check for, download, and install security updates for all browsers and operating systems in use on your computer.
Keeping browser versions up-to-date is critical to computer security, and proper functionality of the latest security elements used in Internet e-commerce.
Visit the sites below to learn more about Internet fraud.
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
File a complaint
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Be a Smarter Consumer
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)Practical Tips to Help You Be on Guard Against Internet Fraud
Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC)
Fake Seals and Phony Numbers: How Fraudsters Try to Look Legit
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Tips to Avoid Online Escrow Fraud
See Fraud Glossary
See Important Fraud Prevention Tips
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