Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to commit
identity theft. Take precautionary steps when you are using
your computer:
Prevention Online
Check the validity of a website before entering any personal
details. There should be a padlock symbol at the bottom
right of the screen and the website address should begin
https:// (The 's' means secure).
Never reveal personal information in response to an email.
Don't open spam emails, as this can tell the sender that yours
is an active e-mail address. If you open an email that offers
you the chance to 'unsubscribe', don't reply unless it is from
a trusted source.
Never open an email from an unknown source.
Use up-to-date anti-virus software and a personal firewall.
If your computer uses the Microsoft Windows operating
system, keep it updated from the Microsoft website.
Be extra careful of using internet cafes or any PC which is
not your own and over which you have no control.
Avoid using obvious passwords, such as your mother's maiden
name, for secure sites. Use a mix of numbers and letters
instead. Use different passwords for different sites and regularly
change them.