Protecting Personal Information

Your identity is your most valuable possession, and one of the hardest to get back if it’s stolen. In our increasingly networked world, protecting sensitive personal data is more important than ever. Guard personal information carefully, and be picky about what you share, and with whom.

• You don't have to give personal information to everyone who asks. If you're asked to provide personal information online or offline, you have a right to ask why and if it’s really needed and how it’s going to be used. The more sensitive the data, like your Social Security Number (SSN), the more careful you should be.
• Don't open unsolicited email messages. Email scams like phishing are among common schemes criminals use to commit identity theft. Use email filters to block these emails and be leery of any messages that ask you to provide personal information, even if they appear to come from a bank or company you've dealt with.
• Surf carefully. Just as you don't wander into sketchy neighborhoods in the real world, you need to be careful where you surf online. Disreputable sites can be loaded with spyware and viruses intended to crash your computer and steal personal information.
• Protect your computer. The best thing you can do to lower your risk in the online world is to make sure you're doing everything you can to secure your computer and your Internet connection. Check out the tips on anti-virus software, anti-spyware software and firewalls and make sure you're protected from attackers.
• Read Privacy Policies. It may not be the most compelling reading, but it's good to know how a Web site intends to use personal information before you hand it to them. Don't provide information to any Web site that doesn't have a clearly posted privacy policy.

If you fear that you have become the victim of identity theft check out http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/ for guidance on what to do next.