Don't Get Too Personal
Pretenders Pose A "Real" Danger | Play Defense | Go on Offense | Ask for Help
Pretenders Pose A “Real” Danger
Phonies have found a home on the Internet. Fake people, fake businesses and fake organizations populate cyberspace. They use false identities, counterfeit products and bogus marketing schemes in hopes of cashing in on your misplaced trust.
| “Ordinary citizens can connect to anybody or anywhere around the world with a simple keystroke; on the other hand, so can the criminals.” — Attorney General Dustin McDaniel |
Protect Yourself
Families need to communicate about how to surf the Internet. Social networking sites unfortunately provide convenient anonymous avenues for adults to prey on children. Parents, update those lessons about not talking to strangers. Kids, tell your parents where you’ve been on the Web and with whom you’ve been chatting. Kids and parents, make sure grandma and grandpa know what goes on in cyberspace. Remember, safe surfing is a family matter.
Online Shopping
Sure, it can be a bargain. But shopping the Internet also can spring a trap. You need to know who you’re dealing with, what you’re buying and at what price — including any hidden costs. Do you know if the seller’s Web site is secure? You better know before transmitting any financial information such as your credit card, checking account or Social Security numbers.
Online Investing
What could be more convenient than researching, selling and buying stock online any time of the day or night? It’s easy once you know how, but rip-off artists understand the attraction, too. They promote sure-fire securities via various Web venues, including hot-stock newsletters and blogs, hoping you don’t read too closely. The real-world rule applies: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Play Defense: Internet Keys to Safety and tips on online shopping and investing.
Go on Offense: Steps you can take when the ‘Internet waters get rough.
Ask for Help: List of agencies and organizations you can contact for information, answers and more.