Protect Your Identity Online

What is your First and Last Name? What are your personal address, Birth Date, email address, credit card information, and cell phone number? You hesitate as you start filling in the blanks on this online web form. The questions start formulating in your head. Why do they need this information? Should I give them this stuff? I’m signing up for something that they promised would help me, but do I really need that help? Do I really want to be hearing from these people? Do I trust them with my credit card number?

There’s a lot of danger out there. Too many people are into the identity theft business—preferring to steal from others rather than working themselves. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to fall to some of their clever scams. Here are a few tips on how you can keep your identity safe as you surf the web for reliable websites.

Build a Firewall of Security

Enact a firewall and choose an antivirus program that you trust. Windows has a very helpful service already installed. Run your scanner often and keep your firewall up. Some people can install programs that will help them remember the information you type into your computer. The result can be stolen information. Don’t let a virus stay active on your computer. Kill it right away.

Set a password on your wireless router (as some people can hack your information just by connecting to the same network as you).

Share Secrets Securely

Sending sensitive, personal information is dangerous in any form. Never, ever send it in the form of something that can be saved. Emails are the number 1 no, no, but so are texts, Facebook messages, etc.

When you have to share bank card information, use your credit card instead of a debit card. Banks are on the watch out for credit card theft and can identify it quickly. Debt is also easily erased when fraud is proven. Money withdrawn from your checking account is much less likely to be replaced.

Only give card information to trusted, secure sites (like Amazon) and never send it in a message of any kind. Also don’t let your computer auto fill this information. For one, it will be much easier to buy things on a whim (destroying your bank account) and for another, you’ll avoid saving that information anywhere that someone could steal from.

Protect your identity on the Internet. Don’t give sensitive information to unknown entities. Be careful about giving away information to just anyone when you need to give it. Pass up the opportunity for a free iPad; watch for scams of free stuff in general; and only give information to secure, trusted sites.