As more and more households use the internet for shopping, banking and handling bills, there are precautions you can take to protect your finances and your credit to insure your identity is not stolen online.
Protecting Yourself from ID Theft
Password Protection
Never share your passwords or PINs with anyone.
Never write your passwords down where they could be easily found by others.
When creating passwords, don't use information that could be easily linked to you (like your birth date, phone number, or the names of pets or hobbies).
Change your password often.
If you decide to revoke any access to an aggregation service that you have shared your password with, we recommend changing your password.
Online Banking
Never leave your computer unattended while using any online banking or investing service.
Always logoff completely when you are finished with your secure session.
If you are providing financial information, be sure the site is secure. Look for the "closed padlock" in the lower right hand corner of your browser.
Do business with financial institutions that you know and trust.
Watch out for copycat sites that may try to look like a financial institution. Be sure you are using the correct Web address for your bank.
If you're considering an "online bank" verify the bank is legitimate and that deposits are insured by the FDIC.
Only access your personal financial information from a computer you "trust". Internet kiosks and cyber cafe's may not be as secure as your personal computer.
Shopping Online
When placing orders online, check for the "closed padlock" that is usually located in the lower left-hand corner of your browser. This means that your information will be encrypted.
Consider registering your credit card* or Visa check card* with "Verified by Visa" — a new online service created to prevent online credit card fraud. When your card is registered, and the online merchant you are using participates in the program, a PIN you designate is required to complete the transaction process.
Shop with online merchants that you know and trust.
Browsing the Internet
Before entering any personal or financial information on any Web site, we strongly suggest you review the security and privacy policies listed on that site.
Keep your browser updated. Newer versions have the latest safety features. It's also important to know which browsers are recommended by the sites you are viewing.
Email
Email is not generally considered secure.
Never enter personal financial information such as account numbers or your SSN in an email.
Use secure messaging when it's available. Most online banking applications have a secure messaging feature, such as an online form.
Be wary of opening suspicious emails or their attachments — especially from someone you don't know.
Viruses can be passed along, even without the sender's knowledge.
Beware of email scams. If an email describes a virus that is circulating, be sure to verify it with the Web site of one of the virus software manufacturers.
Protecting Your Children
Know what your children are doing online.
Be open with your children about things that concern you about the Internet (chatting with strangers, pornography, etc.) and let them know what they should do if they encounter these things.
Consider using an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that provides controls to block sites that are not appropriate for children.
Install software that allows you to set up barriers to control access to sites and prevent the entry of private information.
Be careful. Be smart. Be pro-active in protecting your bank account and credit card accounts online. Be discerning to protect your identity.
Girls, get going!
Girls Get Going is always looking for new articles in our content areas.
If you would like to submit an article for consideration on the Girls Get Going website,
please submit it here:
[Click Here]
Submission of an article provides your permission for GGG to publish it with author's copyright intact.
