Identity Theft 2

Online Identity Theft

    • Protect your computer and phone from viruses and spies by choosing passwords that are not easy to guess. Passwords should be at least eight characters with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. DO NOT use your birthday.

 

    • Use firewall, virus and spyware protection software and update it frequently.

 

    • Download software and attachments from only those sites you know and trust.

 

    • Set your web browser security to at least “medium.”

 

    • Do not click on links that appear in pop-up or spam email.

 

    • When shopping online check out the website and make sure it has “HTTPS” in the address bar or a padlock symbol at the bottom of the browser window before entering any personal information, especially credit card information.

 

  • Check your credit reports at least every four months. You can do this for free once a year from each of these three credit reporting bureaus: Equifax, Experian and Transunion. If you need help doing this ask your social worker.