Online Identity Theft - Identity Theft: Online
Shopping
 Only shop at merchants you are familiar with or contact the Better
Business Bureau. Look for secure shopping sites with identifying marks such as https appearing in the browser
window or a lock icon appearing below the webpage on your browser.
Never give PIN numbers or passwords to the merchant. Verify your
bank statements immediately online or over the phone to check the transaction was made for the proper amount
and no other charges were made. Be sure to have anti-virus and anti-spyware programs running and always print
out the transaction record, log out and close the browser when completed.
Read more about Online Privacy in the following chapter.
Always Ask or Opt-Out
Whenever you are asked for personal information you have a right to
know why it is needed and how it will be used. Online you may find that information in a Privacy Policy (read
about that in the chapter ‘How to Read a Privacy Policy’).
Limit the use of your personal information by requesting financial
institutions not to share your information with affiliates. This is called ‘opting-out’ and the financial
institution must allow you to do so. Once you have requested to opt-out, either on the phone or in writing,
they must never share your information unless you specifically request they do so.
Sign Your Cards Immediately
When you do receive a new credit or debit card sign it immediately and never carry it
unsigned.
Don’t Save Passwords
Don’t save passwords to personal information (such as online
banking) in a program that ‘remembers’ your information. Remove cookies from your computer and have your hard
drive professionally ‘wiped’ before disposing it.What is being done to protect your privacy? Get free adware
download and protect your online privacy.
Use strong passwords – that means a combination of letters and
numbers that can’t be easily guessed. Never use information such as your mother’s maiden name or birth date
that can be figured out by thieves.
Protect Your Computer
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