PERSONAL SAFETY

  Stay Connected

   The Internet is an immense, global network that connects computers using telephone lines and/or fiber networks to store and access electronic information.  People from all over the world can communicate and share information with cirtually anyone in the world on the World Wide Web (WWW or Web).

Because the Internet is so vast and because no one polices it, there are many potential dangers.  The Internet is an unprotected resource for free speech and can be used to distribute and discuss information about anything.  Beware and be aware of potential danger areas for both adults and children.

Safety on the Internet

A "user profile" is information that you provide when setting up your Internet Service.  Never enter into your computer personal information (your real name, age, address, or phone number).  The information you provide is made available to others.

In addition, your computer will begin to collect information about you, including:

  Web sites that you frequent.

  How long you were there.

  If you downloaded anything.

  If you bought anything.

The sites you visit keep track of you, too.  Armed with your e-mail address or any other information available on public record (marriage licenses, lease agreements, etc.), anyone can find out more information or locate you.

The computer also allows you to contact others without having to write a letter or pick up a phone.  Electronic mail (e-mail) is sending a letter by computer instantaneously anywhere in the world directly to the recipient.

Using a password keeps others from accessing your e-mail or other accounts.  A password should be different from a user name; choose it carefully.  Unless you give your password to someone, it will make it difficult to break into your account to get your information.

    On-Line Shopping

Shopping on the Internet can be perfectly safe.  Legitimate companies provide secure sites.  Most utilize firewalls (an electronic barrier to keep out hackers) and encryption (a program that scrambles your credit card number before it's transmitted) to process your order.

Look for a sign or picture of a lock to know if a site is secure.

Ask how your information will be used before providing anything personal.  Use an online payment system that provides privacy from the seller.

Buy from companies that you know and trust.  If you are unfamiliar with a company, check it out before buying.

Help avoid compulsive shopping by limiting shopping time, avoiding impulse buying, and considering affordability and genuine need.

On-Line Gambling/Addiction

It's no secret that older people are particularly susceptible to spending too much money in real-life casinos.  One of the more common areas for senior online addiction is in online casino sites.  Online gambling sites operate from outside of the U.S. and aren't regulated by state gaming commissions.  Users are not protected as with real-life casinos from unfair house rules and gambling practices.  Unlike gambling away tangible poker chips or buckets of quarters, players may not realize how great their losses are until they receive their credit card statements.

Identity Theft

Unlike your fingerprints, which cannot be used by someone else, your personal data CAN be used by others.  Identity theft occurs when someone knowingly transfers or uses your identity (Social Security Number, credit cards, driver's license, etc.) to open an account, make purchases, apply for a loan, apply for a job, or to commit a crime.

Identity theft or fraud is a federal crime.  Protect yourself.

Adopt a "need to know" approach about giving out your personal information to others.  Ask how it will be used, whether it will be shared with others, and ask if you have a choice about the use or confidentiality of your information.

Never give out credit card numbers or personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you have initiated the contact or know your contact.

Pay attention to billing cycles.  If a bill doesn't arrive, it could mean someone has taken it or re-routed it.

Only carry the ID and credit cards or bank cards that you will be using.

Keep items with personal information on them in a safe place.  Be cautious of roommates, employees, service technicians, and unauthorized family members.

If you are a victim, contact your local law enforcement and the fraud department of each of the three major credit bureaus:

     Equifax (1-800-525-6285)

     Experian (1-888-EXPERIAN) and

     Trans Union (1-800-680-7289).