Financial Safety on the Internet
W e've all heard horror stories about Internet fraud, enough to make us concerned about Online Financial Safety. Not to worry! Knowledge is power (and security) so don't let fear limit your capabilities to really use your computer.
I will give you information that will enable you to shop, bank and sell online, with confidence
This can make your life a lot easier.. so you need to learn NOW!
No.1 is your own computer security: a firewall (turned ON),and up-to-date Virus and Spyware protection.
Refer back to the page on protective software.
Passwords
A nuisance, but one more safety feature for you. Passwords are important.How to create a strong password : (if the site does not have particular requirements)
DO NOT use Birthdates, Soc Sec. or a Zipcode, anything guessable.
Eventually you'll have too many to remember so have a routine known only to you for all your passwords
- a set of at least 3-5 letters meaningful only to you , used for every password, plus
- a set of at least 3 numbers chosen randomly but used for every password, plus
- some letters that would designate only that site to you .
One problem , especially with banks, is they want the password changed frequently.. so then, just reverse the grouping , if you can.
Ex: BOA373SMX
For emergencies, you will want to save a written list of important passwords.. but keep it safe.
For our convenience, your favorite browser will popup a question at the top of your screen asking if you want Firefox (or Safari, or whatever you use) to save your password for you. This is OK at home, but NEVER Never say yes on a public computer, such as at the Library or School.
Shopping
Things that are normal, expected and OK:Asking for your name, address and email. This is used to track your purchasing choices and to target their ads, to send you Sale ads,.etc.. It's just marketing.
READ the PRIVACY POLICY
Do they share your information with third parties??
If it's available, be sure to check the box to "Opt out"!
Even with purchases, you will have very little recourse if something goes wrong, and you want your money back. Credit cards have consumer protection rules, but they don't apply to a debit card.. much safer! (Don't do it unless you're sure about the company and the item.)
Before typing in a credit card to order anything, (this is really OK…, only IF you
check in the lower right hand corner of the status bar for an icon of a LOCKED PADLOCK!
(Note: If you are using IE7 it is at top of page in address bar.)
This shows that it is a "secure site" and your information will be encrypted (coded) before being sent, then decoded on the other end.
The other thing to check for is up in the address. The address should start with the letters: https. The s on the end stands for "secure".
Online Banking
This is undoubtedly a wonderful thing for shut-ins, stay-at-homes, AND busy people who don't have time to run all over town. It's quick, reliable and safe. The best way to get started with online banking , in my opinion, is to start with the bank you already use. I know they've been asking you to get "e-statements" instead of paper, because that saves them money.. but you might not be ready to let go of the paper yet. You don't have to.
Search for your bank's website (by name) and take your time reading it. You will find out some interesting things, I'm sure.. and see how much help is offered to you. Next, go back and re-read the paragraph about passwords ..
Get brave, Try it out! I doubt you'll ever go back to the bank again, except to take in some checks to deposit, or talk to your favorite teller. They still want to see you, too.(Edit: Recently, my bank reissued my debit card because they felt personal information had been compromised. I received a letter telling me what steps they were taking, and warned to keep a close eye on transactions until the transfer took place. I tell you this to show that the banks are VERY concerned about your protection, and they do have methods in place. Also to note that I would not HAVE a way to know about these transactions quickly, unless I were "online" and able to check every day or so.)
A Good Hybrid
An extra layer of safety can be used through a service called PayPal. You'll see their logo on a lot of shopping sites, and on Ebay, etc. They've been around a long time now, and are trustworthy. You have an account with them.. which you fund through your checking acct, by giving them permission to withdraw the amounts you have charged, and they pay the seller. You can also make deposits directly to them if you want to keep a balance. If YOU sell something on Ebay, they collect the money and deposit it to your account. Seems like a lot of extra for what you can do directly? You can NEVER be too safe.Things to watch out for.. and DO NOT DO
- Don't ever click on advertising PopUp ads… They are very misleading, and will make spam to fill your eMail box.
- Never, ever give out your SS# or an ACCt # unless YOU have initiated the transaction.
- Never, ever give out your SS# or an ACCt # if someone has called you OR Emailed you. It's worth repeating.
Think: does the company already have that info? They will never call "to verify". Find the real company phone number, and call them back to ask why they need that info. Then the bank or company knows someone is trying to impersonate them.. and they want to stop it!
Copy Cat Sites are just one more (complicated) way to defraud you. Some look just like the real thing! They get away with this, because we get lazy and don't want to type "that whole long address.."
Confirm that the site is authentic, by book mark or typing the address yourself in to the Browser.
DO NOT CLICK ON A LINK especially in an eMail that asks for information. Links may look like the right address, but can take you to a different , bogus one. Again, type it in yourself. You'll get the same special Deal if it's real.
Of course, after you know you're on the real site, then you can assume the links are good.
LEARN FROM OTHER SOURCES:
Websites: (and bookmark them or add to Favorites)
Basic reading from Microsoft: Online Scamshttp://privacy.getnetwise.org/
www.consumer.gov/ Then click on "MONEY"
On Guard Online This one is "user Friendly", with lots of great information.
Federal Trade Commission
www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/
Believe me, a complaint registered on this website.. will get LOTS of attention!
Selling online: (later: I really think this deserves its own page, because there's a lot to learn.)
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Copyright©
2008 by PC Tutor of Santa Maria
Helping Seniors (and others) Love Their Computers
