- Review and ask questions about the privacy policies of the companies with whom you do business. Some companies sell or share your information with third parties.
- Never participate in foreign lotteries, or respond to any “You are a winner!” message that requires you to send money in order to receive a prize. Legitimate sweepstakes companies never require you to send money if you’ve won something from them.
In cyberspace
- While online, make certain that goods and services purchased online are purchased using a secure server. Look for the URL header “https://...” in the browser’s address bar, not “http://....”or look for the yellow “locked” icon on the lower right corner of the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser.
- Purchase commercially available anti-virus software and hardware firewalls to prevent infection of your computer by viruses and worms, as well as to prevent unauthorized entry into your computer. Update this software as well as your computer’s operating system software at least weekly. Many Internet providers offer anti-virus software free of charge as part of their service. Hardware firewalls are available at any computer store and are worth the extra expense.
- Don’t open e-mails or e-mail attachments from individuals you don’t know. Simply delete them immediately.
- Take time to read User Agreements and Privacy Policies for online businesses.
- Companies will sometimes include hidden clauses buried deep in the document that permit sale or transfer of your information to third parties.
