- Protect your personal data
Shred papers that contain personal information (such as credit card bills or bank statements).
Never send personal or financial data to others via email.
Use good online security practices - keep passwords secret, updated, and use hard-to-guess combinations.
- Be aware of online scams
Do not respond to email messages that ask for personal data.
Do not click on links in email messages; you may be taken to fraudulent websites.
Be very cautious about downloading email attachments and keep your virus protection up-to-date.
- Monitor your financial activity
Be sure to obtain your free credit report annually from the major credit reporting agencies.
Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them.
- Stay informed
OnGuard Online ( http://onguardonline.gov/index.html )
National Credit Union Administration ( http://www.ncua.gov/publications )
Consumer Education on Computer Safety ( http://www.staysafeonline.info )
Internet Crime Complaint Center ( http://www.ic3.gov )