Change your password often. Utilize passwords that incorporate both numbers and letters.
Do not share your password. Don't write it down and leave it lying around next to your computer.
Never open attachments from unknown sources.
Invest in good anti-virus protection software and use the latest version of your browser to insure you have the latest security features.
Do not reply to unsolicited (spam), harassing or offensive e-mail. You should save the offensive material and forward a copy to your e-mail provider or the customer service department of the offensive e-mail.
Be careful about giving out personal information on the internet in chat rooms, public postings, e-mail, etc.
Do not give out credit card numbers on un-secure sites. Never use credit cards for ID or age verification.
Do your online shopping from a reputable business.
Do not post personal profiles in public messaging systems.
Use caution when someone you meet online wants to meet you. Until you are certain of an online acquaintance, restrict contact to e-mail, chat rooms, or public postings.
Never pay money to get money. These are usually scams.
Be wary of the following scams:
Business opportunities (get rich quick schemes, work at home schemes, pyramid schemes, chain letters, sending bulk e-mail, etc.) - these offers make it sound like it is easy to earn a lot of money without much effort, and of course, a "small" investment. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Health and diet-miracle cures, herbal formulas for weight loss, scientific breakthroughs related to burning fat, secret formulas, etc.
Investment opportunities- promises of high returns and no risks, promises of being privy to inside information, Ponzi schemes (like a pyramid scheme in which early investors are paid with money from later investors, but as you invest more you will lose your money).
Loans and credit loans - regardless of credit history, easy term scams, credit repair scams, etc.
