Your computer poses your greatest vulnerability to identity theft.
Like so many powerful tools, the internet has significant capacity to be helpful, and to expose you to harm.
Here are 6 common blunders to avoid as you manage the risk of consumer fraud and identity theft on the web:
- Assuming you’re protected when you’re not – too many computer owners are using virus protection that has expired or is outdated.
- Accessing accounts through email links – legitimate corporate names and logos may appear on “phishing” emails leading to bogus websites. Accessing these websites through an email link opens you up to trouble.
- Using the same password for all online accounts – It’s convenient – but also very risky.
- Downloading free software – “free” is hard to resist, but computer-clogging spyware is often bundled with free software.
- Clicking on pop-up ads warning that your PC is insecure – this is easy to do by mistake but can lead to spyware, malware or viruses.
- Careless online shopping – buying on the web almost always requires the disclosure of personal and payment information. Be careful! A wise strategy is to designate one credit card with a $500. limit for all internet shopping, allowing you to keep track of online purchases, and limit your exposure to consumer fraud. Anti-fraud experts consider your credit card as potentially being given away whenever you make an on-line purchase!
source and additional info:
http://www.50plus.com/Money/BrowseAllArticles/index.cfm?documentID=22507
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pl
September 22, 2010 at 11:44 am
It has always made me nervous,buying on line- using a credit card. You hear of so many horror stories. i try to
avoid as much as possible. Still like to pay the good old way…cash..
LR
September 22, 2010 at 1:09 pm
I only open e-mails from people I know. I don’t make purchases using my credit card on-line. I did it once and it was not a secure site and I ended up with purchases made on my credit card. Nothing is free in this world now.
LR
September 22, 2010 at 1:09 pm
I only open e-mails from people I know. I don\’t make purchases using my credit card on-line. I did it once and it was not a secure site and I ended up with purchases made on my credit card. Nothing is free in this world now.
M.R.
September 22, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Our family has alway’s had one credit card designated to computer purchase’s, and so far have had no problems.
se
September 22, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Excellent and helpful advice.
gc
September 22, 2010 at 3:08 pm
I have never shopped online,nor would I pay my bills online.
MB
September 23, 2010 at 11:59 am
It’s almost impossible in today’s world not to shop, or at least divulge my credit card number online for hotels, or car rentals etc…
MB
September 23, 2010 at 11:59 am
It\’s almost impossible in today\’s world not to shop, or at least divulge my credit card number online for hotels, or car rentals etc…
HG
September 24, 2010 at 12:01 pm
I don’t have a personal e-mail address at home. I have paid my bills on line for years with no problem. I do not make any purchases on line. I will check prices on line then call the company and make the purchase by phone.
HC
October 4, 2010 at 9:24 am
All great tips.. especially in regard to keeping updated virus protection.