Protecting Your Privacy, Your Identity, and Your Money

Handout for Remar Sutton's Privacy seminars.

Protecting your personal and financial privacy means educating yourself to take on a complex challenge. You might say that fighting for your privacy rights is like taking on an octopus with many arms (one issue, lots of manifestations).

The resources in this information sheet will help you stay informed about privacy issues and take steps to protect your personal and financial privacy.

Phishing and Pharming for Your Personal and Financial Information and Other Scams to Watch Out For

Phishing—Don’t take that bait!

Phishing is a scam that uses email or pop-up messages including instant messages to steal your personal financial information. In many instances, the message contains a link that goes to a fake website. The messages seem to come from well-known companies. eBay and PayPal are two favorites of the scammers. Banks are another favorite. The fake websites look very much like the real websites.

Want to see how savvy you are about these scams? Take the SonicWALL Phishing IQ Test. How well did you do? It’s not easy to distinguish between a real and a fake message is it?

Using Social Networking Sites Wisely—It’s a Matter of Safety and Privacy for You and Your Children

October 2007

With the phenomenal success of sites such as MySpace.com and Facebook.com, the numbers and variety of social networking websites are exploding on the Internet. Some, such as MySpace and Facebook, attract millions of varied users and others may be targeted at fewer individuals with very specific interests. All share the objective of allowing “members” to communicate, or “network,” with other members, and all require that users share some information about themselves. Social networking sites can be a great place to meet other people with your interests. They can be a fun place to meet and interact with friends. The many positives of these sites, however, come with some real dangers—if you don’t use them wisely. This report provides tips for safely using social networking sites.

What are Social Networking Sites?

Social networking sites are online communities where people from all over the world can meet and share common interests. There are hundreds of these sites, some more well known or larger than others. Joining a site is usually free; and after you join, you typically set up a personalized profile or provide other information (such as a personal blog) that other members can see. Members then communicate using tools provided by the site — instant messaging, chat rooms, blogs, and email. On many sites members can post pictures and videos. Some sites allow other members to post comments on your profile or blog.

Shopping Safely Online

January 2007

Throughout 2007, the number of people shopping online and the number of purchases online is expected to continue to grow rapidly. Whether you buy online frequently or just occasionally, online shopping isn't risk or hassle free, however. As you start the New Year, here are some good pointers and tips for shopping safely on the Internet.

How should you pay for your purchase?

Always make payment for your purchase through the shopping cart or payment service setup by the website. If any seller wants you to make other arrangements to send the payment don't complete the transaction.

Opting Out for Peace and Security

November 2006

Are you tired of finding your mailbox loaded with unsolicited credit card, mortgage, and home equity loan offers? Are you tired of your phone ringing with offers from telemarketers? Are you tired of junk mail? Would you also like to do something to take your name out of circulation for various solicitations? Then read on. This month's report provides more information about some of the topics about privacy and personal security I touched on during my recent visit to Corning CU.

Did you know that in about an hour, you can reduce the amount of junk mail and unsolicited offers in all forms that you receive? That's about the amount of time it will take you to opt-out.

Do You Know Where Your Financial and Important Papers Are?

September 2006

Do you know where your financial and important documents are? If you had to leave your home quickly, could you easily find them? If something happened to you, could someone else find all of your important papers? If you answered yes to all of these questions, congratulations, you are well organized. For the rest of us, this review profiles how to put your important records in order.

Which documents are important?

Documents that prove identity, ownership, insurance coverage, and other various legal documents are important and should be kept in a protected but accessible location. These documents include, but aren't limited to, the following: