Identity theft

 This week we learned about a few things that are very useful in everyday life when on the intranet.  We learned about identity theft, people how they try to scam you online, and the information they try to steal from you.

First I want to describe a couple of terms that we learned. The first one is scams. Scams are an attempt to trick someone with the intention of stealing your money or your private information. It is like when you get emails that want you to confirm your bank account number.The next one is Identity theft. Identity theft is where someone steals your private information and uses it for criminal activity. The word is vulnerable and it means a position that makes it easier for you to be harmed or attacked. The last one is phishing no not with a rod and reel. Phishing I when people send you emails texts pop-ups to lure you to a fake website to try to get your personal information. Which will lead to our digital literacy component.

The main thing we learned about was how and what kind of information people try to steal from you online. The types of information that people try to steal from you are : bank account numbers, social security numbers, addresses, your full name, and your drivers licences number.

Some of the following things can happen to you if your identity is stolen: accounts hacked, jail, money stolen, get in trouble with your parents, debt, and you could go bankrupt.

The five rules to protect yourself from scams can help from these things ever happening.

• Avoid opening the message or email in the first place if you know its a scam.
• Don't click on any links or download any attachments that may contain spyware or viruses.
• Don't reply to these messages or emails.
• Mark these types of messages or emails as junk mail or spam for your email provider, or report it to your social network site.
• If you are concerned about an account you have with a company, contact its customer service department by phone. Make sure you verify the companies information elsewhere online first.

This new information about how scamers try to steal your information online will hopefuly keep my information safe from scamers. It will help me be more careful online.

As always I am ready for a fun restful weekend as I am sure everyone is. Now all y'all viewers be safe online and use the information shared.

 'NTF_100405i - Solved; spoilers in 'machine tags''

Photo was found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/60428365@N00/4520663178

This photo was taken on April 14, 2010.