Internet Help

Identity Theft is one person representing themselves as someone else, for financial gain or other reasons. Having an identity stolen can be damaging in many ways; financially, emotionally, and possibly criminally. Here are some ways to keep your identity safe online:

• Never click unsolicited or suspicious links in e-mail or instant messages. If you receive an e-mail claiming to be from your bank, open a web browser and manually type in your financial institution’s URL
• Be aware of what personal information you give out online, and who you are giving it to. Never post things like phone numbers, full names or birth dates, or account numbers on public web sites or message boards. Also be aware that many sites have cumbersome and cryptic EULAs (End User License Agreements) that could potentially allow them to distribute your personal information to others
• Many browsers have a visual identifier when browsing a ‘secured’ site (see you browser’s documentation for more information). Avoid submitting personal information to insecure sites

To learn more about identity theft and how to deter, detect, and defend against it, visit the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) website.

The following identity theft topics are coverd on the FTC website:

• What is identity theft?
• How do thieves steal an identity?
• What do thieves do with a stolen identity?
• How can you find out if your identity was stolen?
• How long can the effects of identity theft last?
• What should you do if your identity is stolen?
• Should you file a police report if your identity is stolen?
• How long can the effects of identity theft last?
• What can you do to help fight identity theft?