The Internet is a very useful tool for people. It helps us communicate with our loved ones whether they are across the nation or around the world. It helps us find a lot of information about anything. It allows us to listen to radio stations from all over the world, or even watch movies. It also helps us purchase things without ever having to leave our homes.

The Internet is also a very useful tool for identity thieves. Many have fallen prey to numerous baits left by identity thieves.

As we know, knowledge is the best weapon against this. Know how to stop being a victim of online identity theft, and follow these some simple tips.

Use Secure Servers
When surfing the Internet, make sure you are on a secure or encrypted server. That way, when a hacker or ID thief tries to find you and your computer’s location, they cannot locate you as your ISP and URL are encrypted, or coded as unreadable characters, by your server. Secure servers will filter fraud websites and spam e-mails before you can access them.

Don’t Reply to Spoofed E-mails
Spoofed mails are e-mails sent to you by certain e-mail accounts, asking for your details, or telling you to reply to or to do something, such as verify the details of your credit card account, online account, etc.

These e-mail accounts pose as banks, credit card companies, retailing websites like eBay, PayPal etc., and send you emails telling you to give them your information to get or verify something.

NEVER REPLY TO SPOOF E-MAILS! Banks, credit card companies, and other companies never ask their client to send their details over the Internet just for verification or claiming a prize or confirming your entry into a raffle draw you have never joined.

Don’t Open Files Sent by Unknown Sources
If someone you have never known sends you a file over the Internet, usually through an instant messenger, or as an attachment in an e-mail, DO NOT OPEN IT!

The file may contain viruses and spying software that will steal your personal information that is in your computer. Besides, opening the file may cause serious damage to your computer!

Properly Log into Your Sensitive Accounts
Always log on to your sensitive accounts by opening a new browser and typing the actual URL directly into the address bar. This will help you verify if the URL of the sender of an e-mail is really the website it claims to be.

Use Disposable E-mail Accounts
Whenever you want to join a newsgroup, subscribe to mailing lists, or make online purchases, always use a disposable, free email account.

That way, you can always delete that account if you suspect ID theft. Always keep your business account for business and personal communications.

Disguise Your Online ID
Never use domain names and identities that will give out who you are. For example, if you are Bo Peep do not use bopeep@mail.com or bopeep as your e-mail address and username respectively, especially when dealing with people you do not know.

Use Leveled and Strong passwords
Always have different passwords for your accounts. A password should be different for your personal account, business account, and disposable account.

Never use sequential passwords like password1, password2, password3,etc., that will easily allow others to access your accounts.

Make sure your passwords will be very difficult to guess. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and characters that only you can remember. Never write down a copy of your password. If you must, make sure you keep it in a safe place.

Regularly Change Passwords
Always change your passwords after a short period, let us say, one month. Regularly changing passwords makes it very difficult to access your accounts. It also helps stimulate your memory and creative side.

Use Credit Cards for Online Purchases
Credit cards are more secure than debit cards due to the security system being used by credit card companies. Besides, disputing fraudulent chargers is easier than recovering funds already spent. Also, use ONLY ONE CREDIT CARD for online purchases.

Always Check a Company’s Privacy Policy
Whenever you are going to transact business with a company, make sure to check its privacy policy.

Also, make sure to click the logos of the consumer groups posted on their website to make sure that the safety authentication is authentic. Make sure you also know the real online consumer welfare groups before transacting with companies.

Always Use a Secure Site When Submitting Data
Make sure the URL of the site has https:// at the beginning, or has a padlock icon at the address bar before submitting sensitive data.

Security Software for your PC
Always make sure that you get the latest security patches for your operating system and internet browser.

Also, update your virus databases, and install advertisement and pop-up blockers that will disallow pop-ups from certain websites from appearing on your screen.

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