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How to prevent identity
theft and surf safely
There are several steps you can take to make yourself less of a
target for identity theft and make your computer and internet
surfing experience safer.
My biggest bit of advice is to keep your virus
protection and spyware programs
current and updated. Run scans regularly.
Do not click on links or download attachments in emails even if
you think you know who they are from. And most important, do
not enter personal information in email links or websites
you were referred to, or navigated to by email. No matter how
official they look, as they could be fraudulent or fake! If you
get an unexpected email from someone you know that contains an
attachment or a suspicious link - call them and verify they sent
it.
Do not be afraid to purchase items online, as some of the best
deals are found here. However, create an account with your
credit card company and log in regularly to monitor credit card
activity. It is easier for a criminal to create a new account
online using your information, than it is for them to hack your
password.
Also use "Shop
Safe" or an equivalent. You can generate a temporary
credit card number that you can set the amount and expiration
date. It works the same as your regular credit card number, but
if someone gets the number, they cannot use it. Learn more HERE.
Ask your credit card company if they have it, or get one at https://www.bankofamerica.com.
When filling forms on line with personal information, make
sure the web address in your browser starts with https:// and
not http://. The "s" indicates a secure page.
Get LifeLock
Proactive  identity theft protection.
For only $10 per month, they offer a $1 Million identity theft
protection guarantee. Also
reduces junk mail and unsolicited credit card offers. You
can learn more here and get 10% discount.
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