Internet Safety Adult

Internet Safety: Adults are at Risk Too

The Internet can be a wonderful resource, but improvements in technology have unfortunately created new opportunities for thieves, scam artists and other unsavory individuals.

Adware, Spyware and Computer Viruses

Whether you use your computer to work on business presentations at home or simply enjoy sending e-mail to faraway friends, it’s important to protect your computer from adware, spyware and viruses that may slow performance or crash your entire operating system. In addition to being a huge inconvenience, this problem is often quite expensive to fix.

To keep your computer in top condition, remember these simple tips:

• Don’t open e-mail attachments from people you don’t know.
• Avoid downloading free software online unless you’re certain it’s from a reputable company. Many free programs are merely a device for delivering adware and spyware.
• Install virus protection software and a firewall. Check for updates regularly.

Fraud

The global nature of the Internet has brought new life to scams that use to circulate by mail or telephone. Some of the most common forms of Internet fraud include:

• Online auctions site postings that feature non-existent or falsely represented merchandise
• Nigerian money offers promising large sums of cash in exchange for assistance with bank account transfers
• Financial scams targeting consumers with poor credit who are tricked into paying upfront fees in hopes of receiving credit cards or personal loans
• Phony sweepstakes offers asking for payment to claim a prize that doesn’t really exist

To learn how to protect yourself from online fraud, visit the Internet National Fraud Information Center Web site.

Identity Theft

When they think of Internet safety, adults most often consider identity theft a top priority. Identity thieves can use the information they find online to drain your bank account and ruin your credit rating. In some cases, the damage caused by identity theft may even harm your future employment prospects—especially if you work in an industry that regularly does credit checks for all job applicants.

Phishing is a common trick used by identity thieves. This crime involves sending e-mails or creating Web sites that appear to be from a legitimate company and asking you to confirm personal information such as bank account numbers, passwords, birthdates or addresses. PayPal and eBay are two of the most common targets for phishing scams.

To learn how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission Web site.

Cyberstalking

If you participate in chat rooms, maintain a blog or post photos of your family on a personal Web page, you may be vulnerable to cyberstalking. Cyberstalking is a form of harassment that often includes the following behaviors:

• Sending threatening e-mails
• Posting malicious information about you on various Web sites
• Posing as you online in order to defame your character

Unfortunately, the U.S. legal system has been slow to recognize cyberstalking as a legitimate threat. Most states do not have provisions to include online harassment in their stalking laws. However, if you contact your Internet service provider or Web host, you may be able to receive assistance in dealing with the perpetrator.

Sexual Predators

If you’re a single woman who likes to use online dating sites such as eHarmony or Match.com to meet new people, be on the lookout for potential sexual predators. Although many people associate MySpace with online sex crimes, it’s wise to be wary of anyone you meet on the Internet. Since Web sites feel like anonymous places, people often misrepresent themselves. It’s not always easy to tell if a potential date is merely lying about his appearance or trying to conceal a criminal past.

If you do decide to arrange a personal meeting with someone you met online, always request that your first date be in a restaurant or similar public place. It’s also a good idea to tell a friend where you’re going and make sure someone is available to check up on you later in the evening.