Only shop at merchants you are familiar with or contact the Better Business Bureau. Look for secure shopping sites with identifying marks such as https appearing in the browser window or a lock icon appearing below the webpage on your browser.
Never give PIN numbers or passwords to the merchant. Verify your bank statements immediately online or over the phone to check the transaction was made for the proper amount and no other charges were made. Be sure to have anti-virus and anti-spyware programs running and always print out the transaction record, log out and close the browser when completed.
Read more about Online Privacy in the following chapter.
Always Ask or Opt-Out
Whenever you are asked for personal information you have a right to know why it is needed and how it will be used. Online you may find that information in a Privacy Policy (read about that in the chapter �How to Read a Privacy Policy�).
Limit the use of your personal information by requesting financial institutions not to share your information with affiliates. This is called �opting-out� and the financial institution must allow you to do so. Once you have requested to opt-out, either on the phone or in writing, they must never share your information unless you specifically request they do so.
Sign Your Cards Immediately
When you do receive a new credit or debit card sign it immediately and never carry it unsigned.
Don�t Save Passwords
Don�t save passwords to personal information (such as online banking) in a program that �remembers� your information. Remove cookies from your computer and have your hard drive professionally �wiped� before disposing it.What is being done to protect your privacy? Get
free adware download and protect your online privacy.
Use strong passwords � that means a combination of letters and numbers that can�t be easily guessed. Never use information such as your mother�s maiden name or birth date that can be figured out by thieves.
Protect Your Computer
Set your browser security settings to Medium or higher. Install a firewall to prevent unwanted access from hackers and install anti-virus and anti-spyware programs. Never download software when you don�t know where it�s from and never click on pop-ups or spam email. What can you do to prevent identity theft? Get your free $97 PC Security book at http://www.pc-tool.info/
