
Tips for Children
1. Never give out personal identifying information - name, home address, school name or telephone number - in a chat room or on a bulletin board.
2. Never include personal information or interests in your Instant Messaging profile, and do not
post your photo.
3. Keep passwords private - even from best friends!
4. Don't respond to mean or harassing e-mails. Log off and tell your parents.
5. Be on alert when someone offers you something for nothing, such as gifts or money.
6. Never agree to meet with someone face-to-face without telling your parent or guardian.
Then, if your parent or guardian agrees to the meeting, make sure to meet in a public place
with your parent or guardian.
7. Remember that people online may not be who they seem.
8. Remind your parents to keep your computer protected with the latest security patches, anti-
virus software and a firewall to prevent hackers.
9. Delete unknown e-mail attachments, as they may contain viruses.
10.Virus scan all files downloaded from the web to your computer.
Tips to Avoid Online Credit Card Fraud
1. Make sure a website is secure and reputable before providing credit card information online.
2. Don't trust a site just because it claims to be secure.
3. If buying something online, make sure it is from a reputable source.
4. Reconcile credit card statements promptly to avoid unauthorized charges.
5. Beware of providing credit card information when requested through unsolicited e-mails.
Tips to Avoid Identity Theft
1. Research businesses or websites, to ensure they are legitimate.
2. Try to get a physical address, rather than a P.O. box or maildrop.
3. Never discard credit card or bank statements in usable form.
4. Pay attention to missed bills: they could indicate that your account has been taken over.
5. Be cautious of scams requiring you to give your personal information.
6. Never give out your credit card number over the phone, unless you made the call.
7. Monitor your monthly credit card statements for any fraudulent activity.
8. Report unauthorized transactions to your bank or credit card company as soon as possible.
9. Review a copy of your credit report at least once a year.