 |
When
performing Internet transactions that involve the use of personal
information, first read the site's privacy statements. If no privacy
statements are readily available, don't provide any personal
information to the site. |
|
When making
Internet purchases make sure the site is using a secure server to
encrypt the transaction and that you are using a secure browser. On
a Windows PC, a secure server will be shown by a small lock icon in
the bottom of your browser window. The URL of a secure page should
begin with "https" instead of "http."
|
|
Never send
your password, credit card number, secret word or PIN in an e-mail.
And never send an e-mail reply to an e-mail solicitation for
personal information. No reputable business will ask you to send
confidential information over the Internet via e-mail. |
|
Use caution
when you receive an e-mail that directs you to a Web page asking for
personal information. It may look like it's legitimate, but the Web
site may be designed to steal your personal information. Also, the
link may show one Web address but direct you to another. Always type
the Web address directly into the address bar rather than clicking a
link. |
|
Beware of fake
credit report sites. Some Web sites or unsolicited emails offering
credit reports may be using these sites as a way to capture your
personal information. From there, they may sell your information to
others who may use it commit fraud, including identity theft. The
Federal Trade Commission offers several precautions you can take to
prevent this high-tech scam known as “phishing” at
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/fakealrt.htm.
|
|
Contact your
credit card company immediately if you think you have submitted
sensitive information in response to a fraudulent e-mail or Web
site. |
|
When upgrading
your personal computer for a new one, be cautious as to what happens
to the old systems. Have your hard drive erased completely, even if
you are throwing it away or donating it to charity. Use free or
purchased software to clean the hard drive so no one can retrieve
previous information. Just deleting a file or running the "fdisk"
command is not good enough. |
|
When using a
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), password protect access to the
device. Keep as little confidential information on your PDA as
possible. In the event it is lost or stolen, you will not be at risk
of the information getting into the wrong hands. |
|
Make sure your
computer is password protected, especially a laptop. In many cases
the theft of a laptop is not just for the physical device but also
for the confidential data inside. |
|
Think twice before entering confidential information (such as making
Internet purchases or storing a resume) on a public personal
computer at a public library or copy center. Even after you have
deleted a file or shut down the browser application, someone could
still follow behind you and gain access to the information on the
PC's hard drive. |
Equal Housing Lender |