Online Privacy

Your personal information can provide an identity thief access to your financial accounts and other assets. Following are a few tips to help you protect your privacy online:

• Read web site privacy policies. Privacy policies should explain what personal information the web site collects, how it is used, and if the information is shared with third parties. As an example, see the Dow.com Privacy Statement.
• If you are asked for personal information — such as your name, account numbers, email, address, telephone number, or Social Security number — learn how the information will be used before sharing it.
• If you get an email or pop-up message asking for personal information, do not reply or click on the link in the body of message. (See Phishing.) Legitimate financial institutions and businesses will never ask you to click on a link to enter confidential data — nor will they threaten you with account suspension for not complying.

Online Fraud

If someone takes advantage of you through an Internet auction, when you’re shopping online, or in any other way, report it to the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC enters Internet, identity theft, and fraud-related complaints into a secure, online database used by civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Phishing Scam Cautions

Phishing scams begin with email messages that appear to come from popular web sites or sites that you trust, like your bank or credit card company. These messages may include logos from established businesses. They may also display the yellow “lock” icon/symbol that is used by legitimate organizations to designate a site as secure.

If you get an email or pop-up message asking for personal information, do not reply or click on the link in the message.Phishing is designed to steal your identity; scam artists try to get you to disclose personal data — credit card numbers, passwords and account data — by convincing you to provide it under false pretenses.

Additional Tips and Resources to Protect Yourself Online

To find additional tips and resources about protecting yourself online, download AARP’s Cyber Safety Handbook. The handbook includes additional information about the online issues listed above — privacy, fraud and phishing scams. You’ll also find information about safe shopping online, how to handle junk email and protecting your computer.